[Greek] νηστεύω (nēsteuō), [Latin] orare, [German] fasten, [French] reciter, [French] plaider, [French] parler: to fast, to go without food, to abstain from food; Mt.4:2, Mt.6:16-18, Mk.9:14-15, Mk.2:18-20, Lk.5:33-35, Lk.1:12, Acts 13:2-3
Background information:
Greco-Roman era: Fasting was necessary for mourning periods. The corpse was thought to be a source of demonic infection during drinking and eating functions. Fasting also provided for a better receptivity to the gods, ecstatic revelation, spirits, and magical arts.
Old Testament: Fasting, also increasing receptivity to God, served to humble the soul, to mortify oneself, and to express sorrow. Moses spent 40 days/40 nights with Yahweh before receiving the 10 Commandments. Daniel fasted and mortified himself prior to his visions. The Day of Atonement was the only fast prescribed by the Law.
New Testament: Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus states that one must not fast like the hypocrites, looking gloomy and neglecting their appearance. Rather, one must not oneself to be seen fasting by others. Jesus says that fasting will be done when He (the Bridegroom) is taken away. The one who exalts himself (ex: fasting before others) will be humbled. Cornelius prayed and fasted, being receptive to the vision (man in a dazzling robe).
Scripture:
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” Mt.6:16-17
Do not let others know you are fasting. Those who seek recognition from others already receive their reward (praise). This is contrast to fasting in secret in which the Father notices.
“Why do we and the Pharisees fast much but your disciples do not fast? Jesus answered, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as along as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Mt.9:14-15
Fasting is a sign of mourning. Jesus is still with the disciples. The time for mourning will come later.
Etymology: The Latin verb orare means to orate, to plead, and to pray. The French verb parler means to speak and to talk. Breakfast refers to the meal that breaks the nightly fast. A parlor is a room set aside for conversations and talking.
Conclusion:
Breakfast, fast, fasting, orator, oration, recite, plead, pleading
It is interesting to note that through history fasting was a means to become receptive to the divine realm (gods, God).
In Greco-Roman culture, it was assumed that demons can gain power over man through eating and drinking.
The Old Testament culture introduces the notion of humbling and mortifying oneself before God.
Jesus’ fasting alludes to Moses fasting for 40days/nights before receiving the Ten Commandments from God.
When Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you…” Jesus will begin to state something very important.
It is important to note that Cornelius was in prayer (and fasting) before seeing the vision of a man in dazzling robes.
Perspectives on fasting:
“Fasting is important because it trains you to rely on God. You are refocused on Him and not the desires of the flesh.” Unknown
“The best of all medicines is resting and fasting.” Benjamin Franklin
“When people pray and fast, there’s an increase of Holy Spirit activity.” Mike Bickle
“Fasting is sacrificing that comforts you or is important to you. If doesn’t mean anything to you, it won’t mean anything to God.” Matthew Hagee
“The ultimate goal of fasting is to help each one of us to make a complete gift of self to God.” Pope Benedict XVI
“True fasting lies in rejecting evil, holding ones’ tongue, suppressing one’s hatred, banishing one’s lust, evil words, lying, and betrayal of vows.” St. Basil the Great
“Lent is not just fasting or praying. It is the season when Jesus did sacrifices and is calling us to sacrifice the bad in us and to outshine our good nature.” Unknown