fast and pray Gospel of Thomas saying 104

The act of fasting was typically done as a sign of repentance, so Jesus is wondering what sin he committed. Understand that fasting is not a bad thing to do, but Jesus fasted from the world and not from food. He filled his stomach at the tables of sinners and tax collectors, but his filled his heart by doing the will of God. While there is a time in our spiritual development when fasting serves a purpose, Jesus was beyond this point. Fasting was for those showing repentance, not him. Fasting was for those proving their faithfulness, not him. Jesus had transcended this lower level of worship. The Bread of Life doesn’t fast, but rather He feeds the spiritually hunger of the world! Fasting is an act of self-sacrifice, but Jesus gave up more than food. Fasting represents the truth that we need nothing but God, but Jesus had already learned this lesson quite well! It is written that he fasted for forty days in the desert, which I take both literally and spiritually. He had already walked the walk, so he was talking the talk of the Word of God! And because he was the Bread of God, it was not time for his disciples to fast either. Once their Bread was gone, then they could truly fast and pray in every way.

Although we do not know the particulars regarding this fast, it seems from Jesus’ response, that Jesus is telling these Pharisees that he had no personal reason to fast on that day. In addition, Jesus indicates that their timing for the fast was inappropriate. He states that fasting should not occur on someone’s wedding day. (Gen 29:27; Jg 14:12,17) We should fast in the absence of Jesus, the bridegroom. (Mk 2:18-20; Mt 9:14-15; Lk 5:33-35; Mt 6:16-18)

Notes that “they” rather than “you” is the form used here, so that Jesus is implicitly is speaking about people outside the immediate audience of the saying that is the Pharisees. 

104) They [the Pharisees] said [to Jesus], "Come, let us pray today and let us fast [thinking in their fleshly minds that these lower/outward forms of worship are beneficial]." Jesus said, "What is the sin that I have committed [that I should join with you in prayer], or wherein have I been defeated [when was I overcome by the flesh]? But when the bridegroom [the Word] leaves the bridal chamber [of your heart - as a result of turning back to the rudiments of the world], then let them [those who have fallen to the robbers losing the Keys of Knowledge] fast and pray." (Lk 5:33-39; Mt 9:14-17; etc..)