These verses of scripture capture the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. It was a ministry launched in the power of the Holy Spirit. Shortly after this, we read of his miracles and gracious teachings. However, the power that attended His work did not come by chance. Before He stood in the Synagogue to read from the prophecy of Isaiah, He had fasted for forty days. The word, prayer, and fasting produced the results that attended His ministry.

Acts 10:38 states, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him”. We can say that the anointing referred to here is the grace of God without altering the meaning of scripture. John reminds us that Jesus was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Fasting played a major role in the grace that Jesus enjoyed. The scripture encourages us to fast, seeking the face of God without hypocrisy. When we do this, God’s power will be released into our lives and ministries.