Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.

We live in a world full of causes. The other day I saw a calendar which highlighted the national day of (fill in the blank), every day of the year, at a grocery store. Many work to help a cause, but they really don’t understand the core mission behind the organization they are helping. This is fine for some things like providing college scholarships. But in our relationship with God is not one of those things. It cannot be channeled through someone else's passion or heart desires.

Fasting is a commitment to draw closer to God by abstaining from something, many times food. It is a good practice, but it often gets commercialized and watered-down. It can be more ritual than heart-condition. This was the case with the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They fasted, in part, so others could notice their piety.

Jesus calls this out in this passage. He goes to the root of the purpose for fasting, drawing close to God in prayer. And he makes a very good point: If the Son of God (the bridegroom) is among them, there is no reason to fast. They are close to God already. Also, the coming of the Messiah, who Jesus was, is a reason for celebration. Just look at what the angels did in celebration with the shepherds at his birth.

What are the motives behind my actions? Do I deceive myself and others by having the appearance of godliness, but a heart unsurrendered to the Savior?

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬)

Lord, may you examine my heart and try its motives. Cleanse me and make me pure in my devotion to you. My life is not to be lived on display for those around to admire. Instead, it is to be lived solely and wholly for you.