Isaiah 58 opens with people complaining to God. “We fasted! Why didn’t You notice?” That’s 58:3. The Lord’s answer is blunt. On their fast days they bossed their workers, argued and even fought. Then they drooped their heads so everyone could see how holy they were. That’s 58:3–5. The fast the Lord chooses looks outward, in 58:6–7. Loosen the bands of wickedness and lift heavy burdens. Free the oppressed and share bread with the hungry. Bring the homeless in and clothe the naked. The promises that follow are some of the most beautiful in Isaiah. Light breaks out like morning. The Lord answers, “Here I am.” We become “like a watered garden.” That’s 58:8–11. The chapter ends by asking us to call the Sabbath “a delight,” in 58:13–14.
Isaiah 61:1–3 describes the mission of the Anointed One. Messiah in Hebrew and Christ in Greek both mean “anointed.” About 700 years later, Jesus stood up in the synagogue of Nazareth, His hometown. He read this passage from the scroll of Isaiah. Then He said, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” That’s Luke 4:16–21. It was one of His clearest announcements that He is the Christ. Sharp-eyed readers will notice that Luke’s version also includes “to set at liberty them that are bruised.” It echoes Isaiah 58:6: “let the oppressed go free.” The Savior’s mission and the true fast point the same way. Some of His neighbors got angry and tried to throw Him off a cliff. But He walked through the crowd and went on His way, in Luke 4:28–30.
In the Church today, fast Sunday is usually the first Sunday of the month. Members who are able go without food and drink for two meals in a row. They pray with a purpose and give a fast offering, at least what the meals would have cost. The bishop uses fast offerings to help people in need. In many wards, deacons help collect them. Children don’t have to fast. They can start small when they and their parents feel ready. Anyone whose health would be harmed shouldn’t go without food. In Matthew 6:16–18, Jesus taught that we fast for Heavenly Father, not for an audience.
Nine- to eleven-year-olds are old enough to ask, “Why would anyone skip food on purpose?” Take the question seriously. Fasting builds spiritual power. It humbles us so we can hear the Spirit. And it turns our hunger into food for someone else. The rest of the block is full of hope. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come,” says 60:1. Isaiah 61:3 promises “beauty for ashes.” In 64:8, “we are the clay, and thou our potter.” And 65:17–25 describes a new heaven and a new earth. The wolf and lamb eat together when the Savior comes again. Your 11-year-olds will soon be deacons or Young Women, and many will help with fast offerings. Help them see it as joining the Savior’s own work.
