Gospel of Mark: 9. Jesus and Fasting (2:18-22)
We’re launching 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting… but before we begin, we have to ask a crucial question: Are we aiming at the right target?
In Mark 2:18–22, Jesus is challenged about fasting, and His response reveals something deeper than a debate about food. It’s about what it truly means to follow Him. In a world where Christianity can easily drift toward performance, politics, self-improvement, or rule-keeping, Jesus calls us back to the heart of it all: intimacy and restoration.
Through the lens of a memorable “target practice” story and four common distortions of modern Christianity, this message unpacks why fasting isn’t about keeping score - it’s about longing for the Bridegroom. It’s not about preserving religious systems - it’s about participating in God’s restoring work in people’s lives.
Because if we’re not careful, we can hit a bullseye and still miss the target. As we step into this 21-day journey together, this teaching will help you:
Understand God’s purpose for fasting
Identify false targets that subtly distort the gospel
Learn practical, biblical best practices for fasting today
Align your hunger with deeper intimacy with Jesus
Fast with joy, mission, and restoration in mind
Let’s set our sights on the right target - and turn our hunger into prayer.
// SCRIPTURE REFERENCES //
Mark 2:13-3:6
More info at the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/mark/
// TAKE A NEXT STEP //
Want to visit or discover more about Columbia View? Made a decision to follow Jesus or get baptized? Looking to get involved in growing and serving? VISIT HERE: https://columbiaview.org/
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In Mark 2:18–22, Jesus is challenged about fasting, and His response reveals something deeper than a debate about food. It’s about what it truly means to follow Him. In a world where Christianity can easily drift toward performance, politics, self-improvement, or rule-keeping, Jesus calls us back to the heart of it all: intimacy and restoration.
Through the lens of a memorable “target practice” story and four common distortions of modern Christianity, this message unpacks why fasting isn’t about keeping score - it’s about longing for the Bridegroom. It’s not about preserving religious systems - it’s about participating in God’s restoring work in people’s lives.
Because if we’re not careful, we can hit a bullseye and still miss the target. As we step into this 21-day journey together, this teaching will help you:
Understand God’s purpose for fasting
Identify false targets that subtly distort the gospel
Learn practical, biblical best practices for fasting today
Align your hunger with deeper intimacy with Jesus
Fast with joy, mission, and restoration in mind
Let’s set our sights on the right target - and turn our hunger into prayer.
// SCRIPTURE REFERENCES //
Mark 2:13-3:6
More info at the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/mark/
// TAKE A NEXT STEP //
Want to visit or discover more about Columbia View? Made a decision to follow Jesus or get baptized? Looking to get involved in growing and serving? VISIT HERE: https://columbiaview.org/
// FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA //
Youtube Instagram Facebook