Our Fasting Give Way to Feasting

Easter

Our Fasting Gives Way to Feasting  

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. (Mt 28:6a)

  1. Why God’s people _________.

There are Christians that use fasting …
  • to express remorse over sin,
  • to call on God’s help,
  • to focus on devotional time,
  • or to remind them of all that Jesus freely gave up for us.
Martin Luther acknowledges that “fasting . . . may serve a good purpose” in preparing one’s heart to receive the Lord’s Supper.

  1. God promises that the _________ will _______.

19 This is what the Lord of Armies says. The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become times of rejoicing, joy, and gladness for the house of Judah. Therefore, all of you are to love truth and peace.  20 This is what the Lord of Armies says. People will still come as the inhabitants of many cities. 21 Then the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, “Let us go immediately to plead for the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of Armies. I myself will go.” 22 Then many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the Lord of Armies in Jerusalem and to plead for the favor of the Lord. 23 This is what the Lord of Armies says. In those days, ten men from among the speakers of every language of the nations will take firm hold of the hem of a Jew’s garment and say, “Let us go along with you, because we have heard that God is with you.” (Zec 8:19–23)

  1. The fast _________ at the empty _________.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
He was hand over to death because of our trespasses and was raised to life because of our justification. (Romans 4:25)
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Mt 28:6a).
… we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, … since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life. (Ro 5:10)
Mary (Jn 20:16)
Peace be with you! (Jn 20:21)
25 How foolish you are and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter his glory?” (Lk 24:25–26)

  1. _________________ people _______________ others.

Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be overwhelmed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Is 41:10)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Ps 23:4)

Points to Ponder

  1. What is one thing that stood out for you from this week’s message?
  2. When you hear the word fasting, what thoughts or emotions come to mind—positive, negative, or mixed?
  3. Beyond giving up food, what are some ways Christians “fast” today?
  4. What stands out to you most in Zechariah’s promise that fasts will become festivals?
  5. Why do you think God connects joy with loving “truth and peace” in verse 19?
  6. How does this passage challenge the idea that the Christian life is meant to be gloomy?
  7. How does the resurrection of Jesus change the way you understand confession and forgiveness?
  8. Romans 4:25 says Jesus was raised for our justification. What does that mean for your confidence before God?
  9. Where do you most need to hear again this Easter truth: “The fast is over; the feasting has begun”?
  10. What kinds of joy or peace do you think attract others today?
  11. Have you ever been drawn to someone else’s faith because of how they lived?
  12. What is one simple, visible way your Easter joy could show up this week?
  13. Easter is one day, but resurrection joy is meant to shape every day. What threatens to pull you back into “fasting mode” after Easter?

Homework: Judges 8