Why do John’s disciples and the Pharisees fast often, but Jesus’ disciples eat and drink?

In this passage, people notice a clear difference between the groups. John’s disciples and the Pharisees regularly set times to fast and pray. They lived in a strict, serious way that made sense for their calling and season. Jesus’ disciples, however, are seen eating and drinking with him. Jesus explains that their situation is different right now. While he is bodily with them, their days are like a wedding celebration, not a time for heavy mourning and strict fasting. Their outward practice fits the joy of being with him.

What does “children of the bridechamber” mean in this passage?

“Children of the bridechamber” is a way of speaking about friends and attendants at a wedding feast. These are the people who stand close to the bridegroom and share in his joy. Jesus uses this picture to describe his disciples. Since he is with them as the bridegroom, it would be out of place for them to act as if they were at a funeral. Just as you would not expect wedding guests to fast during the feast, it was not the time for his disciples to live in strict sadness while he was present.

Why does Jesus call himself the bridegroom here?

By calling himself the bridegroom, Jesus shows that his coming is like a joyful wedding, not just another strict religious program. The bridegroom is the central figure at a wedding, and his presence sets the tone. In the same way, Jesus’ presence among his followers brings joy, hope, and a sense of celebration. This helps explain why his disciples are not fasting at that moment. It also hints that he is the One God’s people have been waiting for, and that being close to him changes how they live and worship.

What does it mean that the bridegroom will be taken away from them?

When Jesus says the bridegroom will be taken away, he is pointing ahead to his death and his departure from them. While he is with them, they enjoy close fellowship and favor. But he knows a time is coming when he will be seized and killed, and his followers will be left in a world that often hates them. Then their situation will be more like a time of mourning and struggle. In those days, he says, they will fast. Their outward practices will match their sorrow and the pressures they face.

When does Jesus say his disciples will fast?

Jesus says his disciples will fast “in those days” when the bridegroom is taken away from them. That means after he is no longer bodily with them and they go through grief, persecution, and many hardships. Then fasting will have its place as a sign of mourning, humility, and seeking God in trouble. So he does not reject fasting. Instead, he ties it to the right time and reason. First comes the joyful season of his presence with them, then later comes the season of sorrow and fasting.

Does this passage mean fasting is unimportant for believers?

No, this passage does not say fasting is unimportant. Jesus does not deny fasting or prayer. He corrects the idea that holiness is measured by how often someone fasts, without thinking about the situation. He shows that there is a proper time to fast and a proper time to feast. When he was with his disciples in person, it was fitting for them to rejoice. After he was taken away and they faced suffering and heavy work, fasting would be fitting. The problem is not fasting itself, but using it without wisdom.

What was happening when people questioned Jesus about fasting?

This question came right after Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, to follow him and then ate at a big feast in Levi’s house with many tax collectors and others. The religious leaders were already upset that Jesus ate with people they saw as sinners. Then they also noticed that his disciples did not follow the same strict fasting habits as John’s followers and the Pharisees. So they challenged him about it. Their question grew out of comparing different groups and focusing on outward religious habits.

How does this teaching about fasting apply to believers today?

This passage teaches that outward religious practices, like fasting, should match the season God has placed us in. There are times to rejoice and give thanks, and times to humble ourselves with fasting and prayer, especially in sorrow, repentance, or special need. It also warns against judging others just by visible practices, as if the amount of fasting alone shows who is more holy. The key is being close to Jesus, trusting him in both joy and hardship, and letting our habits reflect that real relationship.

Luke.5.33

Luke 5:33

KJV

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

Questions about Fasting

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.