Mark 2:18-20·~1 min
Questions about Fasting
John’s disciples and the Pharisees fast, so the question arises about Jesus’ disciples. Jesus answers with the bridegroom image and points to a future time of fasting after his removal.
N18ow John’s disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t Your disciples fast like John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees?” 19Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? As long as He is with them, they cannot fast. 20But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Section summaryJohn’s disciples and the Pharisees fast regularly, so Jesus is asked why his disciples do not. He answers with a bridegroom image: while he is present, fasting does not fit, though it will after he is taken away.
Role in the chapterJesus frames fasting by his own presence, not by comparison to other groups, and points ahead to a time when absence will change the pattern.