Feb 25 – Mar 2, 2024

Icebreaker: Have you lost any possessions that you really cared about? What were they?

Introduction

Why do people today fast, and how is it similar or different to fasting during biblical times?

In modern society, fasting is seen primarily as a means of protest or threat of self-destruction to put pressure on higher political authorities in order to attain the benefits or claims of the people involved. In the biblical context, however, fasting carries a different meaning. It is not a way of asserting one’s will but a means of opening oneself to the work of God, expressing profound grief over sin and pointing to one’s ultimate dependence on God for all forms of sustenance. Fasting is the act of abstaining from food for spiritual reasons and primarily connotes an openness to divinity and a posture of humility. It involves prayer, grief, penance, seeking guidance and piety (Ryken et al. 273). Why do you think fasting opens us up to God?

Fasting in the Old Testament

The Mosaic law contains only one command to fast, connected with the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:29–31; 23:26–33; Num 29:7–11). The Hebrew text does not use the word for fast (צוֹם, tsom), but instead uses עָנָה (anah), which is often translated as “deny yourself.” This implies that other forms of self-denial were also intended, such as abstinence from contact with the opposite sex, from anointing with oil or bathing, or from wearing sandals (Seal and Whitcomb).

The term עָנָה (anah) also means “to afflict,” “to weaken,” “be humble,” or “be bowed down.” On a day when the sins of the people were to be atoned for, afflicting or denying oneself by fasting would serve as an outward sign of inner repentance for breaking God’s law (Seal and Whitcomb). How do these terms – denial, afflict, weaken, humble, and bowed down – help you understand the act and attitude of fasting?

All biblical fasting was done for one or more of five different reasons: mourning for sin (1 Sam 7:6), mourning in death (2 Sam 1:12), repentance for reconciliation with God, humbling or chastening oneself (body, mind, soul, and spirit), and petition. Petition was made for guidance, victory in battle, protection, forgiveness for others’ sins, understanding, and healing (Chatham 87). If you are observing Lent, which of these five reasons resonates with you the most?

An Acceptable Fast

According to Isaiah 58:4–10 fasting is related to the needs of the poor and to almsgiving (Hart 94).

As you read the passage, can you point out the incongruity between outward religious displays and injustice?

Dangers of Fasting

What might be some spiritual dangers of fasting? What are some wrong reasons to fast?

1. Fasting is not a means by which one can manipulate God. It is wrong to think that if we fast, God will do anything we want. Fasting is not a substitute for true repentance. It will not justify one before God.

2. Judging others, who do not fast, as spiritually inferior is the height of pride, which is opposite to the humiliation related to biblical fasting (Chatham 89).

What God desires is righteous action in caring for the needy, the homeless, the hungry, and the oppressed. Real fasting is not just giving up food, and it certainly isn’t about showing off one’s best sackcloth wardrobe and fashionably ashen face; true fasting involves correcting injustice and acting compassionately. If you act justly, God will come (Hart 95).

How does Isaiah 58:4-10 affirm or challenge your current practice of fasting?

Jesus and Fasting

Just as Isaiah condemns mere liturgy and posturing among the religious leaders of his day, Jesus condemns those same things in Matthew 6:16–18. Can you give a present-day example of ‘mere liturgy and posturing’?

Fasting — like almsgiving and prayer — is not something to be paraded. No one is supposed to know how religious we are. Real fasting means we give from what we have and learn to curb our appetites (Hart 96). What appetites and things would be good for you to curb?  

Real fasting, especially in our consumerist culture, means to stand apart from the unreflective point of view that we are what we buy. We may need to reduce our time given over to entertainment and self­gratification in order to have time for others’ needs (Hart 97). Do you agree or disagree with the idea that ‘we are what we buy’? Why or why not?

Fasting is not strictly a matter of food and drink. It has to do with how we eat, certainly; but also with how we travel, dress, furnish our homes, shop, are entertained, and otherwise pamper ourselves. When we save resources, we might find we can give more generously than ever (Hart 97). If you had an extra $100 every month because you stewarded your spending, how would you use that extra money?

Conclusion

Fasting can foster an internal mourning, even desolation, as we are forced to acknowledge our reliance on food, entertainment, the opinions of others, the strength of the stock market, the status of our vocation or our physical attractiveness and health for our sense of well-being and security (Hall 200). Why is it healthy to occasionally abstain from good things?

Fasting raises to the surface of our consciousness, like a divine magnet, what we genuinely value and deeply desire. It quickly reveals the cracks in our personalities, flaws that remain hidden when our needs are met, but open up when fasting’s “no” impedes our body’s and mind’s incessant “yes” (Hall 200). If you decide to fast, make sure to document your reflections before and after to notice any changes in your perspective on your deepest values and desires.

For example, do you consider yourself a patient person? Are you patient even when you do not get what you want when you want it? How quickly does your patience evaporate when your body cries out, “Feed me,” and Christ says, “Not now. Allow your hunger to increase your desire for me and your compassion for others”? (Hall 200)

Works Cited

 Chatham, Romara Dean. Fasting: A Biblical Historical Study. Bridge-Logos, 1987.

Hall, Christopher A. Worshiping with the Church Fathers. InterVarsity Press, 2010.

Hart, Addison Hodges. Taking Jesus at His Word: What Jesus Really Said in the Sermon on the Mount. William B. Eerdmans, 2012.

Ryken, Leland et al. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Seal, David and Kelly A. Whitcomb. "Fasting." The Lexham Bible Dictionary, edited by John D. Barry et al., Lexham Press, 2016.