Why did John’s disciples and the Pharisees fast so often?

John’s disciples followed the strict lifestyle they had learned from John, which included set days of fasting and regular prayers. The Pharisees also kept many fasts that went far beyond what God had commanded in the law. They even added extra fasts for things like lack of rain or other troubles. Over time, these private and traditional fasts became very frequent. Because they valued these habits highly, they expected others to do the same and were troubled when Jesus’ disciples did not copy their pattern.

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

“Children of the bridechamber” is a way of talking about the close friends who attend the bridegroom at a wedding. They share his joy, celebrate with him, and are excused from usual duties because it is a special time of feasting and gladness. Jesus uses this everyday picture to describe his disciples. While he, the bridegroom, is with them, they are like wedding guests. That is not a time for sadness and fasting, but for joy because of his nearness.

Why does Jesus compare himself to a bridegroom here?

Jesus calls himself the bridegroom to show the closeness and joy of his relationship with his followers. A bridegroom is not distant from his friends or his bride. His presence brings happiness and celebration. By using this image, Jesus explains why his disciples are not fasting: they are enjoying his presence, like guests at a wedding feast. This also hints at a deeper truth, that he has a special covenant bond with his people, like a husband with his bride.

What does it mean that the bridegroom will be taken away and then they will fast?

When Jesus says the bridegroom will be taken away, he is pointing ahead to his suffering and death, when he will no longer be with his disciples in the same way. That will be a time of sorrow, not feasting. Then his followers will fast and grieve, because they will feel the loss of his presence. So fasting is not rejected, but put in its right place: it fits seasons of trouble, repentance, or longing, not times when God gives special joy and comfort.

Is Jesus against fasting in this passage?

No, Jesus is not against fasting. He is against using fasting to judge others or treating it as a show of spirituality. Here he explains that fasting has its proper time. While he is with his disciples like a bridegroom at a wedding, it is right for them to rejoice. When he is taken from them, then they will fast. The problem is not fasting itself, but missing the season, and making outward habits more important than the joy of being with him.

What was happening when John’s disciples questioned Jesus about fasting?

John the Baptist had been put in prison, and his disciples were still following his strict pattern of life. The Pharisees also had many extra fasts. Around this time, Jesus and his disciples were sharing meals, including at Matthew’s house, and this upset some people. The Pharisees seem to have used this to stir up John’s disciples, pushing them to question Jesus about why his disciples did not fast. So the question rose in a setting of tension, comparison, and hurt.

What does this passage teach about comparing our spiritual practices to others?

This passage shows how easy it is to use religious habits to compare ourselves to others. John’s disciples point out, in effect, “We and the Pharisees fast a lot, but your disciples do not.” Jesus does not join in that comparison. Instead, he talks about timing and relationship with him. The lesson is that outward practices like fasting are not a scoreboard. God looks at the heart, the season he has us in, and our closeness to Christ, not at how we measure up to someone else’s routine.

How can this teaching on fasting and the bridegroom apply to my life?

This passage can help you think about both joy and self-denial in a more balanced way. There are times when God gives special comfort and you should receive that with thankfulness, not guilt. There are also times of loss, struggle, or repentance when fasting and focused prayer fit well. Rather than copying others, ask what “season” you are in with Christ. Let your habits grow out of love for him, not pressure to prove yourself or match someone else’s level of strictness.

What does this passage show about Jesus’ care for his disciples’ weakness?

Jesus knows his disciples are still like young guests at a wedding, not yet ready for heavy burdens. He does not force on them strict fasting while he is with them. Instead, he allows them a season of joy and learning in his presence. Later, when he is taken away, they will face harder days and will fast. This shows his gentleness. He leads people step by step, taking their weakness into account, rather than demanding harsh practices before they are ready.

Matt.9.14

Matthew 9:14

King James Version (KJV)

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

Chapter:

Context:

Questions about Fasting

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Cross References

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