The Power of the New FastSample

Fasting is a Transformational Journey

In Matthew 9:14-17, we encounter a conversation between Jesus and the disciples of John the Baptist. These disciples questioned why Jesus’ disciples did not observe the religious discipline of fasting (not eating food), unlike them and the Pharisees. Jesus responded with a parable, comparing fasting to unshrunk cloth on old garments and new wine in old wineskins. The old wineskins were the old way of doing things and the new wineskins would be the new way of doing things in the new life of Christ.

Jesus’ response reveals a twofold message. Firstly, the presence of the bridegroom (Jesus) eliminated the need for mourning or fasting while he was with the disciples. Secondly, just as new wine requires fresh wineskins, the new life of Christ demanded a new approach to fasting. This parable sheds light on the transformative nature of fasting in the context of Jesus’ ministry.

In the new life of Christ, fasting is not a mere obligation but a passionate discipline. It is driven by the desire to draw closer to Christ, rather than simply meeting situational requirements. The act of fasting becomes an intentional pathway to align our minds with the mind of Christ.