Parable: Why Didn't Jesus' Disciples Fast? Matthew 9:14, Mark 2:18, Luke 5:33
by Owen Borville
February 14, 2019
Bible
Jesus was asked why his disciples did not fast while John's disciples and the Pharisees fasted often. Jesus then told a parable explaining the matter:
14 Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”
15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. Matthew 9:14-15.
Jesus' parable explains why his disciples did not fast while John's disciples and the Pharisees did fast. However, Jesus explains that "the bridegroom will be taken from them," and then they will fast. Jesus is referring to the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, after which Jesus leaves the Earth and is taken from the disciples. The parable is also a prophetic verse, as Jesus is predicting his exit from the world. Why should the disciples mourn when the Savior is with them? Just as the guests of a bridegroom don't mourn when he is with them, why should Jesus' disciples mourn when The Bridegroom is with them. Jesus Christ is symbolically the Bridegroom who marries His bride, the Church or the Body of Believers. The disciples will fast often when Jesus leaves them, just as many followers of Jesus fast today while waiting for His return.
The parable is also explained in Mark 2:18-20 and Luke 5:33-35.
by Owen Borville
February 14, 2019
Bible
Jesus was asked why his disciples did not fast while John's disciples and the Pharisees fasted often. Jesus then told a parable explaining the matter:
14 Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”
15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. Matthew 9:14-15.
Jesus' parable explains why his disciples did not fast while John's disciples and the Pharisees did fast. However, Jesus explains that "the bridegroom will be taken from them," and then they will fast. Jesus is referring to the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, after which Jesus leaves the Earth and is taken from the disciples. The parable is also a prophetic verse, as Jesus is predicting his exit from the world. Why should the disciples mourn when the Savior is with them? Just as the guests of a bridegroom don't mourn when he is with them, why should Jesus' disciples mourn when The Bridegroom is with them. Jesus Christ is symbolically the Bridegroom who marries His bride, the Church or the Body of Believers. The disciples will fast often when Jesus leaves them, just as many followers of Jesus fast today while waiting for His return.
The parable is also explained in Mark 2:18-20 and Luke 5:33-35.