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Fasting and Feasting

Matthew 9:14-15

Then John's disciples came and asked him, 'How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?' Jesus answered, 'How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. (NIVUK)

Fasting was a normal part of a godly disciplined life in the days of Jesus. It showed the need to repent for sin, and be utterly dependent in prayer (Esther 4:3; Esther 4:16). However, it easily became a proud religious rite (Matthew 6:16-18). God seeks repentant people with broken hearts rather than religious people with artificially gloomy faces. Joel 2:12-13 says, "'Even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments.