Why were the disciples of John and the Pharisees fasting in this passage?

The disciples of John and the Pharisees were known for regular fasting. They often went without food as a sign of sorrow for sin, repentance, or deep seriousness about God. In this scene they likely were fasting while Jesus and His disciples were at a meal. Seeing Jesus’ followers eating while they themselves were fasting made them question what was going on. To them, serious religion was tied closely to practices like fasting, so they could not understand why Jesus’ disciples did not follow the same pattern.

What does Jesus mean by the children of the bridechamber?

When Jesus talks about the “children of the bridechamber,” He is using a wedding picture from everyday life. These are the close friends of the bridegroom who stay with him and share in his joy during the wedding days. Jesus is saying that His disciples are like those friends, and He Himself is the bridegroom. At a wedding, the friends do not fast and mourn, they celebrate. In the same way, while Jesus was with His disciples in person, it was a time for joy, not for fasting.

Why does Jesus call Himself the bridegroom here?

Jesus calls Himself the bridegroom to show that His coming brings a new and joyful stage in God’s work. A wedding is a time of gladness and closeness, not sadness. John the Baptist had already spoken of Jesus as the bridegroom, so this picture would be familiar. By using this title, Jesus is hinting that He is the central figure God promised, around whom God’s people gather in joy. His presence with the disciples is like the bridegroom’s presence at a wedding feast.

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 suffering and death. For a time, He would no longer be with His disciples in the same way. That would be a sad and heavy season, and then fasting would make sense. So He is not rejecting fasting completely. He is saying that there is a proper time for it. While He walked with them on earth, it was like a wedding day. When He was seized and killed, that would be a time for sorrow and fasting.

Why did Jesus’ disciples not fast while others did?

Jesus’ disciples did not fast then because their situation was different. They were walking daily with the One God had sent, seeing His works and hearing His words. Jesus explains that this was like being at a wedding with the bridegroom present. Fasting is closely tied to grief, longing, and waiting. Since the promised One was with them, it would be out of place for them to act as if God were far away. Later, when He was taken from them, fasting would again fit their situation.

Does this passage mean fasting is no longer needed for believers?

This passage does not say fasting is never needed. Jesus speaks against forcing one pattern on everyone without regard to time and situation. He says there will be days when the bridegroom is taken away, and then His followers will fast. That shows fasting still has a place, especially in times of sorrow, repentance, or deep seeking of God. The main point is that fasting should fit the season God has us in, and should not be turned into a cold rule that ignores His nearness and grace.

How does this passage correct a wrong view of religious rules?

The questioners treat fasting as a fixed rule that proves who is serious about God. Jesus answers by talking about a wedding and the bridegroom. He shows that spiritual practices are not meant to be heavy burdens that ignore what God is actually doing. Fasting is good in its proper time, but joy in God’s presence is also right. The passage warns against turning outward rules into the whole of godliness, without thinking about timing, purpose, and the kindness of God in sending His Son.

How can this teaching on fasting apply to believers today?

This passage helps believers think about fasting and other practices with wisdom. It reminds us to ask, “What is God doing in this season? Is this a time of special joy or of deep sorrow and seeking?” Fasting can be helpful, but it should not be used to judge others or to try to earn favor with God. Instead, it should flow from a heart that knows Jesus, loves His presence, and grieves when sin or hardship seems to hide His face. The heart matters more than the outward act.

Mark.2.18

Mark 2:18

KJV

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

Questions about Fasting

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

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.