Obeying for the Right Purpose

Scripture: Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, "Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus said to them, "The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day." Mark 2:18-20

Observation: While Jesus' disciples continue to enjoy life - they just had a big dinner party at Levi's house - others wonder why they aren't submitting themselves to the discipline of fasting. This is not just the Pharisees challenging Jesus, but also John the Baptist's disciples are fasting, and it is "people" in general wondering about the behavior of Jesus and his disciples.

Given the breadth of people fasting, this is likely occurring on some official 'day of fasting' ... some day when it is generally accepted that those people of serious obedience to God are expected to fast. By not doing so, the real question is ... do Jesus and his disciples not take their obedience to God seriously? Jesus will follow up his answer by providing metaphors about the old and new law - new cloth to patch old clothes, and new wine in old wineskins - and that seems like a dismissal of all old 'rules'. That isn't the case however, as Jesus does say that there will be a time when his disciples fast.

Instead, Jesus is making it clear that today is not the day for fasting. There might be some tradition that says today is a fasting day, but the truth is that fasting is done for a purpose, such as sharpening one's focus during prayer, or humbly submitting to the Lord for a time of devotion and learning. Right now, on this day, the Messiah himself is with the disciples; they do not need to do those things, and in fact they need to remain healthy and sharp so they may learn from Jesus all they can before he is taken away. If someone fasts to be nearer to God, how could they possibly need to fast when already sitting is the same room with God?

Fasting has a purpose, just like the elements of the old law do also. However, it is a mistake to apply those laws and precepts without understanding or purpose. Simply fasting on a fasting day is missing the point. There is a proper understanding and application of the law, and it always begins with God's purpose for our lives.

Application: I often think about Christians who attend church, and do little else as Christians. Honestly, I have been that kind of Christian. In fact, sometimes I still am for stretches at a time. I need to remember Jesus' lesson here during those times.

We can all "comply" with certain behavior, but our faith comes from our hearts aligning to the will of Jesus, and evidence of our faith comes from our actions pouring out of that Christ-filled heart. Just doing stuff ... is just doing stuff. This includes fasting, church attendance, even serving.

Prayer: Lord, I continue to seek your Holy Spirit to fill my heart. May your love overflow from my heart into my hands and feet, so I may do your work for your purposes here on earth. Thy kingdom come, and they will be done, Lord. Amen.