In what ways does Daniel's example connect to Jesus' teachings on fasting? Setting the Scene “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself with oil until the three weeks were completed.” What Daniel Actually Did • A voluntary, time-limited fast (three weeks) • Abstained from pleasant food, meat, wine, and normal grooming • Motivated by “mourning” and the pursuit of heavenly understanding • Practiced privately; no indication he sought human applause Jesus’ Core Teachings on Fasting “When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Additional parallels: • Matthew 4:2—Jesus Himself fasted forty days, modeling dependence on God. • Matthew 9:14-15—fasting flows from longing for the Bridegroom’s presence. Points of Connection • Sincerity over Show – Daniel withdrew from pleasurable things without public display. – Jesus warns against turning fasting into religious theater. • Humble Mourning – Daniel’s fast arose from grief and spiritual burden. – Jesus links fasting to seasons when the Bridegroom is “taken,” a time of sorrow and yearning. • Seeking Revelation – Daniel’s fast preceded visions and angelic insight (10:11-14). – Jesus fasted before public ministry; fasting is portrayed as fertile ground for divine revelation (cf. Acts 13:2). • Dependence, Not Self-Righteousness – Daniel’s posture: weakness, prayer, and confession (9:3-19; 10:8). – Jesus dethrones self-exalting piety: “Your Father…will reward you” (Matthew 6:18). Practical Takeaways • Fast with a clear spiritual purpose—Daniel sought understanding; Jesus expects the same intentionality. • Keep the fast discreet and God-facing; external appearances must not drive the practice. • Let fasting express repentance, longing, and reliance on God’s Word rather than on food (Matthew 4:4). • Anticipate that humble fasting invites heavenly breakthrough, just as Daniel’s did and as Jesus affirmed. |
    |