Lent: A Season of Drawing Closer to GodSample

Week 1 Fasting

Now is the Time

Read: Luke 5:33–35

SOAP: Luke 5:35

“But those days are coming, and when the bridegroom is taken from them, at that time they will fast.”

Into the Text

Jesus received a lot of questions about fasting. Fasting was already a common spiritual practice for the Jews, as well as other people (like we saw in yesterday’s reading in Nineveh). But, like many other practices, the religious leaders of the Jews had warped and distorted the meaning behind fasting. Instead of a way to honor God, fasting became a way to show others how spiritual they were.

In an effort to trap Jesus, the religious leaders questioned Him about fasting. John’s disciples fasted frequently, and the religious leaders wanted to know why Jesus’ followers were not doing the same. But Jesus’ answer gives us a clear picture of how we should approach fasting.

When Jesus was with His disciples, there was no need for them to fast. But now, since Jesus is not physically with us, since He has completed the work of His first coming and is preparing for His second, we fast.

Fasting reminds us that, without God, we are nothing. It heightens our longing for eternity and reminds us to recognize how empty we are without Him. We fast and pray, earnestly longing for Him to come and restore and redeem all things.

Now is the time to fast. Now is the time to turn our hearts toward our Risen Savior. Now is the time to remember His love, mercy, compassion, and grace. Now is the time to remember that without Him, we are nothing. And now is the time to remember and remind one another of God’s incredible grace and the victory we have in Him!