More Like Jesus: Fasting
Overview
Just as prayer deepens our connection with God, fasting serves as a powerful tool in our spiritual lives. This discussion is a continuation of our desire to become More Like Jesus in prayer. Maybe you are asking what is fasting. Fasting, as a spiritual discipline, is the practice of denying your physical body voluntarily and intentionally abstaining from food or a certain type of food in replacement for intentional time spent with the Lord. Just as prayer is a vital channel for connecting with God, fasting becomes a potent avenue to hear from the Lord. It’s important to remember, that fasting is not merely an abstention from food but a deliberate choice to set aside physical comforts for a profound spiritual purpose. We seek to unravel the significance of fasting and discern its potential impact on our individual and collective spiritual growth.
Read
Matthew 9:14-15 NIV
"Then John’s disciples came and asked him, 'How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?' Jesus answered, 'How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.'"
Matthew 4:2 NIV
"After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."
Ezra 8:23 NIV
"So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer."
Discuss
How do the instances of fasting in Matthew 9:14-15 and Matthew 4:2 shape your understanding of this spiritual discipline? Are there misconceptions or challenges you associate with fasting based on these passages?
In what ways does the Bible, particularly Matthew 4:2 and Ezra 8:23, illustrate the practice of fasting? Reflect on key passages and instances where fasting significantly impacted spiritual journeys.
Considering Matthew 9:14-15, where Jesus mentions a time for fasting after His departure, share your motivations for incorporating fasting into your spiritual routine.
Reflect on the idea of surrender in Matthew 4:2, where Jesus abstains from physical needs. How does this act of surrender impact your relationship with God and your understanding of dependence on Him?
Drawing inspiration from Ezra 8:23, discuss the potential benefits of engaging in corporate fasting. How might shared fasting experiences, as seen in Ezra's community, strengthen the spiritual bonds within our YA community?
Share any challenges or breakthroughs you've encountered during past fasting experiences, considering the perseverance in Matthew 4:2 and the answered prayer in Ezra 8:23. How did these moments contribute to your spiritual growth?
In Matthew 9:14-15, Jesus acknowledges a future time for fasting. How do you strike a balance between the discipline of fasting and extending grace to yourself in moments of struggle (aligning with the timing Jesus refers to)?
Call to Action
As we conclude our discussion on the power of fasting, let's transition our reflections into intentional actions:
1. Identify a Fasting Goal: Reflect on the insights gained tonight and discern a specific fasting goal for the upcoming weeks, considering the motivations shared in Matthew 9:14-15. Set a clear intention for your fasting journey.
2. Create a Fasting Plan: Develop a practical plan for implementing your chosen fast, drawing inspiration from the perseverance depicted in Matthew 4:2. Writing down your plan will provide a roadmap for your fasting experience.
3. Fasting Accountability Partner: Share your fasting goals with a trusted friend or fellow community member, echoing the communal spirit of Ezra 8:23. Having an accountability partner can offer support, encouragement, and shared reflections during your fasting journey.
