What did Jesus say about fasting
In Mark, the disciples of the Pharisees and those following John the Baptist fasted while Jesus’ disciples did not. Why? Exactly what did Jesus say about fasting?
Why did Christ eat with sinners, neglect fasting, and “disregard” so many Jewish laws?
Don’t worry, Christ explains His reasons when Pharisees confronted Him about His lack of fasting.
During this Bible study lesson from Mark we learn what Jesus says about fasting when it comes to His disciples. Does this apply to us? Most certainly!
What did Jesus say about fasting
What Did Jesus Say about Fasting? “Attendants of the Bridegroom Cannot Fast” Mark 2:18-22
John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”
And Jesus said to them, “While the bridegroom is with them, the attendants of the bridegroom cannot fast, can they?
So long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.
“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; otherwise the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear results.
No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.” – Mark 2:18-22 NASB
What is Fasting?
Fasting is an outward sign of humility and regret for sin. And, fasting creates an inner discipline that clears the mind and keeps the spirit alert. (NIV)
What is Religious Fasting?
While fasting cleans the body of the effects of food, repentance cleans the body of the effects of sin.
John and his disciples fasted in order to be prepared for the Lord’s coming.
This was a serious message so John and his disciples fasted.
On the other hand, Jesus answered that He (the bridegroom) was already with his disciples (the bride). So, there was no reason for them to fast at that time.
What did Jesus say about fasting
A Reference to God’s Love
“Bridegroom” is often used in the Bible to refer to God. And, the love that He felt for His people was akin to Israel being His “bride“.
Very few people experience a greater love in life than the love they feel for their spouse or children.
God thinks of us as both His bride and His children. Knowing how much Christ loves you, do you feel that God deserves your love too?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to know more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 for information.