Feasting or Fasting?

FEASTING OR FASTINGToday I am reminded that part of yesterday's account was of Jesus feasting at Matthew's house, a tax collector who had responded to Jesus's call to follow Him. The pharisees were aghast that he was eating with 'tax collectors and sinners'. Feasting was the opposite of the sacrificial fasting they did, to atone for their sins and to get closer to God. They were not aware that Jesus was to be the sacrifice for all mankind's sins and that He was to bring mankind closer to God through giving us His Holy Spirit to live in us. No wonder Jesus responded to the pharisees, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." We also need to go and learn what this means. The Holy Spirit will help us if we ask.