First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Lord’s Day September 7, 2003 Anno Domini

Matthew 9:14-17

Fasting and the Kingdom of Christ

  I.   The question brought to Jesus: religious fasting.
 

      A.  John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast.
      B.  The disciples of John want instruction from Jesus.
      C.  Fasting in the Old Covenant.
         1.  Commanded public fasting for yom kippur, Lev 16:29 (compare
Isaiah 58:3).
         2.  As a sign of repentance and affliction of the soul, 1Sam 7:6;
Ezra 9:5-6; Neh 9:1; Psalm 69:10-11; Joel 2:12-13.
         3.  As a sign for sorrow and mourning, Judges 20:26; 2Sam 1:12.
         4.  As a remembrance of judgment, (see Zechariah 8:19).
         5.  As a sign of earnest urgent prayer, 2Sam 12:16-23; Psalm
35:13; Psalm 109:24.
         6.  As a sign of waiting for Messiah, Luke 2:37.
        

  II.  The question redefined by Jesus: the purpose of fasting.
 

      A.  The bridegroom’s presence indicates a celebration (John 3:19).
      B.  The bridegroom’s departure brings on sorrow and longing, John
16:16-22; Acts 1:9; Revelation 19:7.
      C.  The New Covenant will not fit in the form of the Old.
     

   III. The question for Christ’s disciples: the use of fasting.
 

      A.  Jesus has taught us about a change in time and in practice,
Jeremiah 31:31; Matt 26:28; Hebrews 8:13.
      B.  Fasting, when separated from the fruit of godly living is no fast
at all in the sight of God, Isaiah 58:3-7; Joel 2:12-13.
      C.  Fasting is a practice for solemn times.
         1.  When mourning the absence of Christ and longing for him.
         2.  When mourning sin, Mt 5:4.
         3.  When needing to be humbled before God, Psalm 69:10.
         4.      When God’s judgments are upon us, Psalm 35:13; 2Sam
12:16.
         5.      When preparing for ministry, Acts 13:3; Acts 14:23.
             D.  Jesus has given us all the instruction we need for
fasting, Mt 6:16-18.
        1. Let your fasting be in secret.
        2.      Do not fast with a sad countenance.
        3. “When you fast...”
     E.  The presence of Christ ordinarily calls for
celebration, not fasting, Hebrews 12:22-24.
        1. In anticipation of his return, Luke 12:35-27;
Colossians 3:4; Revelation 19:9.
       

Pastor Christian Adjemian, Dipl.Div., Ph.D.

pastor@reformedprescambridge.com phone: 617.864.3185