Luke 5:33-39 Explained: Biblical Fasting Guide with Prayer & How-To Steps
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Luke 5:33-39 Explained
When religious leaders questioned Jesus about fasting in Luke 5:33-39, His response revealed a revolutionary truth about biblical fasting for believers today. Understanding what Jesus taught about fasting transforms this spiritual discipline from religious obligation into powerful communion with God. This complete Biblical fasting guide for beginners includes fasting prayers for breakthrough, practical how-to steps, and the deeper meaning of Jesus' new wine and old wineskins meaning in Jesus's parable.
Jesus Is Questioned About Fasting: Luke 5:33-39
33 Then they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?”
Jesus' Response: The Bridegroom Analogy (Luke 5:34-35)
34 And He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.”
The Parable of New Wine and Old Wineskins (Luke 5:36-39)
The New Garment Parable:Mixing Old and New (Luke 5:36)
36 Then He spoke a parable to them: “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. 39 And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’ ” (Luke 5:33-39)
What Does the Bible Say About Fasting? Understanding Luke 5:33 in Context
Luke 5:33 - "fast"
The Pharisees fasted twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays (18:12), as well as on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29). They also fasted as an act of penitence (Isaiah 58:1-9) and to recall four times a year the destruction of Jerusalem (Zechariah 7:3,5;8:19).
Does Fasting Change God's Mind or Change Us?
The goal of fasting was to dedicate oneself to prayer and to focus on God. Biblical fasting for spiritual breakthrough works not by forcing God's hand or changing His mind, but by creating internal transformation—humbling ourselves, increasing spiritual awareness, and aligning our will with God's through the power of the Holy Spirit.
How Fasting Works for Believers Today
The goal of fasting was to dedicate oneself to prayer and to focus on God.
Biblical fasting for spiritual breakthrough works by transforming us internally, not by manipulating God externally. Here's how: And
this should be our goal of fasting today, to dedicate ourselves to prayer and to focus on God. It's not about forcing God's hand, to change God's mind in a particular situation, but for a work to be done in us, in our lives through the power of God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit, living inside of us, to align with His will, fostering humility, dependance and focus on Him. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," - Ephesians 3:20,
"Those who honor me I will honor" - 1 Samuel 2:30 This suggests God works powerfully with those in right relationship, and fasting helps remove obstacles (pride, self-reliance) to that honor.
Fasting in the Old Testament: Ezra's Example: Ezra 8:21-23
Ezra proclaimed a fast for a safe journey, not to compel God, but to humble themselves and rely on God's protection over human armies, demonstrating dependence: "Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him." So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer." - Ezra 8:21-23
God's Rebuke of Self-Righteous Fasting (Isaiah 58:3-11)
God rebukes people for fasting in a self-righteous way, revealing that true fasting is about justice, mercy, caring for the poor, and humbling oneself, which brings God's presence and healing, not mere ritual. (Isaiah 58:3-11)
The Bridegroom as Messianic Fulfillment: Luke 5:34 - "bridegroom"
Jesus compared His presence to the joyous time of a wedding in the Old Testament, this image was used for God's relationship to His people or to describe the messianic period (see Isaiah 54:5, 6; 62:4,5; Jeremiah 2:2; Ezekiel 16; hosea 2:14-23). Jesus explained that while He was on earth, the time was not right for fasts.
The First Hint of Jesus Approaching Death: Luke 5:35
The image of the removal of the bridegroom is the first hint in Jesus' ministry of His approaching death (see 2:35 for the first allusion). The church will (and did) fast (see Acts 13:1,2; 14-23). Though such fasting returned, it was not required or regulated to the same degree as Judaism.
The New Garment Parable: Mixing Old and New: Luke 5:36 - "the new makes a tear"
Jesus pointed out that one cannot mix old things (Judaism) with new things (the new way He brings). The attempt to mix the two is compared to repairing clothes. The original cloth has already shrunk and when the new cloth shrinks, a rip occurs. In addition, the two pieces do not match. Jesus' teaching here indicates the discontinuity between the old way and the new.
What Does New Wine in Old Wineskins Mean? (Luke 5:37-39)
Why Judaism Cannot Contain Jesus' New Way: Luke 5:37 - Putting "new wine" (Jesus' new way)
Putting new wine - Jesus' new way, into "old wineskins" (Judaism) would not work because as the new wine fermented, it would stretch the old skin and break it, ruining the wineskin and wasting the wine.
What does new wine in old wineskins mean? Jesus used this parable to explain why His new covenant teaching couldn't be contained within the rigid structures of Old Testament Judaism.
Luke 5:39
Jesus pointed out that someone who likes "old wine" will not even try "new wine", since such a person is satisfied with the old. This analogy explained why some people in Israel had trouble turning to Jesus.
Does Fasting Change God's Mind?
No—biblical fasting doesn't change God's mind or force His hand. Instead, fasting changes us. It's not about manipulating God to act externally, but preparing our hearts internally to receive His power and align with His will. As Ephesians 3:20 says, God works "according to the power that works in us"—fasting removes obstacles like pride and self-reliance, making us receptive vessels for His work.
How Fasting Works for Believers Today
1-Internal Transformation: Exposing Our Weaknesses
Fasting exposes our weaknesses, irritability, and dependence on worldly comforts, showing where the Holy Spirit needs to work.
2-Increased Spiritual Awareness and Attunement to God's Voice
It clears the mind, making us more attuned to God's voice and will, rather than manipulating Him.
3-Humility & Submission:Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
It's a physical act of submission, acknowledging God's sovereignty and our need for Him to act.
4-Redirecting Focus from Self to God
It redirects focus from self to God, aligning our desires with His.
In essence, fasting prepares the vessel (us) to receive and enact God's power, making us receptive to His work within, rather than a lever to move God to act externally.
Fasting Prayers for Breakthrough: Praying Scripture During Your Fast
Christian Fasting Prayer Guide
Use these biblical fasting prayers and fasting scriptures for spiritual warfare, to align your heart with God's will and experience spiritual breakthrough through fasting and prayer during your fast. Each prayer is rooted in Scripture and designed to deepen your communion with God.
What Should I Pray While Fasting? Scripture-Based Prayer Guide
What should I pray while fasting? Use these powerful fasting prayers rooted in Scripture to seek God's presence, purity, will, and clarity during your fast.
1-Prayer For Hunger for God: Pray Matthew 5:6, Matthew 4:4:
"Lord, forgive me for worldly appetites craving anything more than You. Redirect my hunger and thirst to You, and your righteousness, for I know I will be filled. Open my eyes to the benefits of fasting and my heart to receive You fully. Teach me to hold fast to You, not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from Your mouth, In Jesus Name, Amen.
2-Prayer For a Pure Clean Heart: Pray Psalm 51:10:
"Abba Father, Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Grant me the unction to fast and seek You with all my heart. Remove anything in my life that isn't of You, purify me, In Jesus Name, Amen.
3-Prayer For God's Will in Your Life: Pray Psalm 25:4-5
"Father, I submit my will to Your will in Jesus' Name. Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Help me to let go of my own plans and trust the path You've laid out for me, even when it's hard. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, revealing Your will for me, In Jesus Name Amen."
4-Prayer For Clarity & Vision: Pray Isaiah 30:21
"Father, make your way plain to me. Open my eyes to see each step you've prepared. "This is the way, walk in it", seeking to remove confusion, open and illuminate my spiritual eyes and ears, and align my life with God's divine purpose, inviting divine light and direction. Give me clarity to understand your wise way, distinguish truth from deception, In Jesus Name, Amen."
Key Fasting Scriptures for Spiritual Breakthrough
Isaiah 58:6: Breaking Bondage Through Fasting
Isaiah 58:6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?" -
Romans 12:1: Presenting Your Body as a Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
1 Timothy 2:1-2: Fasting and Intercession for Authority
1 Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
Ezra 8:23 God Listens to Our Fasting and Prayer
Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
Matthew 6:33: Seeking God's Kingdom First
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
How Do I Start Fasting as a Beginner? A Biblical Step-by-Step Guide
If you're wondering how to start fasting as a beginner, follow these 9 biblical steps for a safe and spiritually fruitful fast:
How to Fast: A Biblical Fasting Guide for Beginners
Step 1-Always Begin Your Fast in Prayer-Praying Scripture During Fasting
Lead with Prayer at the beginning of your fast, praying a fasting Scripture, asking God for a deeper connection with Him, asking Him for His presence, His strength, guidance and His grace. Ask God to help keep your focus on Him and not your hunger. Repent of your sins, asking God to fill you with His Spirit giving you the power to do what pleases Him. Include in this prayer you area of focus including scripture from the Bible.
Step 2-Consult a Physician Before Fasting
Essential, especially with health conditions or medications.
Step 3-Prepare Your Body Gradually
Slowly Reduce sugar and fat intake for a couple of days before starting.
Step 4-Ease In & Out of Your Fast
Don't rush into a full fast; gradually reduce food, and break it gently with easily digestible foods.
Step 5-Stay Hydrated During Your Fast
Drink plenty of water, especially if abstaining from food.
Step 6-Focus on God
Replace eating time with prayer, worship, and reading scripture (like Matthew 6 for guidance).
Step 7-Fast with Humility not Pride
Be Humble: Fast quietly, without drawing attention to yourself, focusing on God, not pride.
Step 8-Reduce Physical Activity to Conserve Energy
Consider lowering physical activity to conserve energy.
Step 9-Identify Your Fasting Focus and Prayer Requests
Decide what you're fasting from (e.g., food, social media) and your specific prayer requests.
May you be Blessed and Strengthened throughout your fast. May you have deep Spiritual Renewal and God's abundant Peace, and May your heart be filled with His presence, In Jesus Name, Amen
Frequently Asked Questions About Biblical Fasting
What is the purpose of fasting in Christianity?
Biblical fasting is not about changing God's mind, but about internal transformation—humbling ourselves, increasing spiritual awareness, and aligning our will with God's through prayer and dependence on Him.
How do I start fasting as a beginner?
Begin with prayer, consult a physician if needed, start with a partial fast (one meal), stay hydrated, and replace eating time with Bible reading and prayer. Follow the 9-step beginner's guide above for detailed instructions.
What does new wine in old wineskins mean in Luke 5?
Jesus taught that His new covenant cannot be contained in old religious systems. Just as new wine needs new wineskins to expand, Jesus' teachings require a fresh approach to faith, not rigid adherence to outdated traditions.
What should I pray while fasting?
Use fasting prayers for breakthrough like Psalm 51:10 (clean heart), Matthew 5:6 (hunger for God), Psalm 25:4-5 (God's will), and Isaiah 30:21 (clarity and direction). See the complete prayer guide above with specific scripture-based prayers.
Why did Jesus' disciples not fast while He was with them?
Jesus explained using the bridegroom analogy that fasting wasn't appropriate while He (the Bridegroom) was physically present. It was a time of celebration. After His death and resurrection, the church would return to fasting as a spiritual discipline.