FASTING...

First, let’s start with some definitions for a better understanding of the topic, so no one will get confused.

Key terms and their meanings giving more insight into the what Jesus is speaking about.

Fast: The Greek word here is, nesteuo: It means the same as in English, which is to voluntarily abstain totally, or sparingly from eating all foods or certain foods, or to eat prescribed kinds of foods; and/or from drinking of certain drinks or no drinks for a set period of time as a religion duty for a particular purpose or cause..

Hypocrites: Greek word here is hupokrites: An individual (s) who pretend to be other than who they really are, they are actors, counterfeits, phonies, great pretenders who falsely gives an impression of virtue or sincerity; having a phony front in character and feelings of qualities they do not possess with deceitful assumption of being praiseworthy.

Somber: Greek word is skuthropos: To be sad and discouraged; to have a gloomy or sad countenance (look on face) or a serious appearance; to look deprived of light or to be melancholy depressed face of sorrow.

Many people “fast” for many different reasons, some restrict their diets for medical reasons, or to loses weight and trim down to fit into clothes they haven’t worn in 30 years … But for many Christian believers who fast, it for a spiritual purpose and cause although God does not require of us to fast, but IF, and WHEN we do fast, it is our choice to do or not to do… this pleases Him... and there are times He will/does call us into a fast for His purposes and His glory.

Some believers in Christ, fast to hear from God in a certain matters and for Him to move on their behalf; some fast as a part of their daily, weekly, or monthly worship to the Lord, by giving a few hours in prayer and fasting, or one or two days in prayer and praise before him; others fast to seek more spiritual power and anointing from God; and some Christians fast every three or four months or once a year doing as God has called in Isaiah chapter 58, to pray for the poor, brokenhearted, and downcast, as this is the proper fast that pleases God, and we receive the blessings He has promised.

Isaiah 58:“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens,To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

Regardless of the reason a Christian believer decides to fast, it is a form of worship before the Lord, because a spiritual fast for whatever reason, MUST include purpose and prayer, which lead us to a life of worship, discipline and good stewardship before the Lord.

Excerpts from my Bible Study teaching...continues below..