Compare Luke 5:33 with Old Testament fasting practices. What differences do you notice? setting the scene “Then they said to Him, ‘John’s disciples frequently fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.’” old testament snapshot of fasting • Day of Atonement: a single, annual, mandatory fast commanded by God (Leviticus 16:29-31; 23:26-32). • National crises: Israel fasted when facing war or calamity (2 Chronicles 20:3; Joel 1:14). • Personal repentance and mourning: David for his child (2 Samuel 12:16), Ezra for sin (Ezra 9:5-6), and the Ninevites in Jonah 3:5-10. • Prophetic calls: Isaiah 58 corrects empty ritual, urging humility, righteousness, and care for the oppressed. • Frequency: Apart from the Day of Atonement, fasting was largely occasional, tied to grief, repentance, or urgent need. the issue raised in Luke 5:33 • Pharisees had developed twice-weekly fasts (Luke 18:12) as a mark of piety. • John the Baptist’s disciples also practiced frequent fasting, likely reflecting his call to repentance (Matthew 3:2). • Observers noticed Jesus’ disciples feasting instead of fasting, creating a contrast with accepted religious habits. key differences Presence of the Bridegroom • OT fasts: anticipation and longing for God’s intervention. • Luke 5: Jesus explains that fasting is inappropriate while “the Bridegroom” is present (vv. 34-35). Celebration replaces longing because Christ, the object of expectation, has arrived. Purpose and Tone • OT: sorrow, mourning, repentance; outward sign of inward humility (Joel 2:12-13). • Luke 5: physical joy and communion with Jesus emphasize a new era of grace, not mere sorrow (John 1:17). Regulation vs. Freedom • OT: one commanded fast plus communal fasts led by national leaders. • Pharisaic practice: rigid schedules added by tradition. • Luke 5: Jesus refuses extra-biblical regulations, reframing fasting as a matter of timing and relationship rather than ritual duty (Mark 2:27). Covenant Context • OT fasting looked forward to Messiah’s redemption. • Luke 5 reveals that redemption is unfolding; fasting will return “when the Bridegroom is taken away” (v. 35), fitting the coming church age (Acts 13:2-3). External Show vs. Internal Reality • OT prophets warned against hypocritical fasts (Isaiah 58:3-7; Zechariah 7:5-6). • Jesus later teaches private, sincere fasting (Matthew 6:16-18), echoing the prophetic concern and underscoring heart over display. implications for disciples today • Fasting remains valuable, yet its timing and motive revolve around devotion to the risen Christ, not legal obligation. • Joy in His presence and freedom in the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17) shape when and why believers choose to fast, aligning practice with relationship rather than ritual. |
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