Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
This automated analysis scores the text on the likely presence of emotional, language, and social tones. There are no right or wrong scores; this is just an indication of tones readers or listeners may pick up from the text.
A score of 0.5 or higher indicates the tone is likely present.
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It is not commanded in any of the NT Epistles.
Fasting was a prescribed part of various OT community activities involving repentance (Joel 1:14); in addition, pious Jews fasted voluntarily (1 Sam 7:5–6; Neh 1:4; Dan 9:3; Jonah 3:5; Luke 2:37; 18:12).
Here, the voluntary fasting is primarily in view.
Jesus himself fasted (4:2; cf.
Moses and Elijah, Exod 34:28; 1 Kgs 19:8) and spoke metaphorically of the appropriateness of fasting for his disciples after his departure from earth (9:14–15).
The Pharisees fasted (9:14; cf.
Luke 18:12), and Jesus did not criticize them for the practice.
In Acts, the disciples fasted before the important decision of selecting church leaders (13:2–3; 14:23).
Isaiah’s critique of fasting that was not accompanied by just behavior (Isa 58:1–9; cf.
Zech 7:4–14) is not unlike Jesus’ condemnation of hypocritical fasting here.
Pharisees typically fasted on Mondays and Thursdays, refraining from food but not from drink.
In light of such texts as 9:14–17, fasting is more controversial in Christian circles than prayer or giving to the needy.
Jesus apparently did not give this spiritual discipline a high priority, especially during his ministry, but he did anticipate that it would occur later (9:15).
The only specific New Testament references to later Christian fasting come in contexts of seeking God’s will in choosing church leaders (Acts 13:2–3; 14:23).
As with almsgiving and prayer, those who fast must not advertise their piety by visible signs of suffering and deprivation.
Otherwise a person again gains accolades from people rather than from God.
Instead people must groom themselves according to cultural norms in order to appear joyful and content.
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