The true fast is no mere formal service. The Scripture describes the fast that God has chosen,--"to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke;" to "draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul." Isa. 58:6, 10. Here is set forth the very spirit and character of the work of Christ. His whole life was a sacrifice of Himself for the saving of the world. Whether fasting in the wilderness of temptation or eating with the publicans at Matthew's feast, He was giving His life for the redemption of the lost. Not in idle mourning, in mere bodily humiliation and multitudinous sacrifices, is the true spirit of devotion manifested, but it is shown in the surrender of self in willing service to God and man.

Den sande faste er ikke blot en formssag. Skriften beskriver den faste, som Gud har udvalgt: "at løse gudløsheds lænker, at løsne ågets bånd, at slippe de kuede fri og sønderbryde hvert åg," at "række den sultne. dit brød og mætte en vansmægtende sjæl." Es. 58,6. 10. Her forkyndes selve ånden og karakteren i Kristi gerning. Hele hans liv var en selvopofrelse for at frelse verden. Hvad enten han fastede i fristelsens ørken eller sad til bords med tolderne ved Mattæus' gæstebud, så gav han sit liv hen for at frelse de fortabte. Den sande fromheds ånd viser sig ikke ved unyttig sørgen, ved udelukkende legemlig ydmygelse og mangfoldige ofre, men den åbenbarer sig ved overgivelsen af jeget til villig tjeneste for Gud og mennesker.