In Luke 5:34-35, Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ misunderstanding of fasting. While they focused on the ritual, Jesus emphasized the heart’s posture. This teaching aligns with our mission at Lakeview Christian Church to “Be the Change” by “Sharing” our lives and hearts with God and others.
The Heart of Fasting
Fasting, as Jesus taught, is not about external religious acts but about drawing closer to God. When Jesus was with His disciples, it was a time for celebration, not fasting. This teaches us that our spiritual practices should lead us into deeper relationship with God, not just fulfill religious obligations.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us focus on God by setting aside physical needs. It is a way to express our hunger for God and our desire to align our hearts with His. Jesus’ critique of the Pharisees reminds us that God desires mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6), and that our spiritual practices should reflect a genuine love for Him.
Scriptural Insights
- Joel 2:12-13: “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” This passage emphasizes the heart’s return to God, not just the act of fasting.
- Matthew 6:16-18: Jesus instructs on fasting in secret, focusing on the heart’s sincerity rather than public display.
- Isaiah 58:6-7: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke?” This passage highlights the social justice aspect of true fasting.
Application: Share to Know and Love Others
At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe in sharing our lives authentically with God and others. Fasting can be a powerful way to refocus our hearts on God, allowing us to share His love more genuinely with those around us. Consider fasting as a way to deepen your relationship with God, and let that overflow into your relationships with others.
Practical applications include organizing a community fast for a specific cause, using fasting as a time to pray for others, and sharing your fasting experiences to encourage others in their spiritual journey. As we share our lives and experiences, we build a community rooted in love and authenticity.
