The Fasting Before the Feasting (Mark 2:18-22)

While Christ makes clear that fasting is not necessary while He was physically present with His disciples, those of us looking forward to the eternal presence of our Savior are expected to fast in a way that makes much of Him and His sustaining grace.

Biblical Purposes for Fasting
1. To Strengthen Prayer (Ezra 8:23, Daniel 9:3, Acts 13:3)
2. To Seek God’s Guidance (Acts 14:23)
3. To Express Grief (2 Samuel 1:11-12)
4. To Seek Deliverance or Protection (Esther 4:16)
5. To Express Repentance and the Return to God (1 Samuel 7:6, Joel 2:12)
6. To Humble Oneself Before God (1 Kings 21:27-29, Psalm 35:13)
7. To Express Concern for the Work of God. (Nehemiah 1:3-4, Daniel 9:3)
8. To Minister to the Needs of Others (Isaiah 58:6-7)
9. To Overcome Temptation and Dedicate Yourself to God (Matthew 4:1-11)
10. To Express Love and Worship to God (Luke 2:37)