More Fast Teaching...

More from Toxic Relief by Don Colbert, M.D.

It's important to fast for the right motive, but I'll be you didn't know that it's equally important NOT to fast at certain times. The disciples of Jesus learned this truth.

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, "Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?" And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.
Mark 2:18-20

When Jesus was walking with them through the hills of Galilee, teaching them and praying with them, fasting was inappropriate. It was neither the time nor the season to fast. Rather, His presence brought a season of rejoicing and feasting. However, after Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples were expected to fast.

In Mark 2:20, Jesus said, "They will fast in those days." Still, we don't actually read about the disciples fasting until the Book of Acts. In Acts 13:1-3 the church fasted together as they were guided by the Holy Spirit or had a need.

After the followers of Christ began fasting, they had rich teaching provided by the Master from which to draw. Jesus had taught them all about motives and even about appearance during times of fasting. In Matthew 6:17-18, Jesus said, "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

Jesus did not say "if" you fast, but "when" you fast. He assumes that fasting will be a normal part of spiritual life once He, the Bridegroom, is gone.

So then, when should we fast? Always fast as the Holy Spirit leads. In other words, just as Jesus was led into the wilderness to fast and pray, we should also be led by the Spirit into times and seasons of fasting. The New Testament never lays down strict rules regarding fasting; therefore, we should never impose strict rules upon others or ourselves.