Matthew 9:14-15·~1 min
Questions about Fasting
The question compares two patterns of fasting, but Jesus answers from the image of a wedding feast. While the bridegroom is present, mourning does not fit; fasting belongs to the time after his removal.
T14hen John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?” 15Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Section summaryJohn's disciples ask why Jesus' disciples do not fast as they and the Pharisees do. Jesus answers with bridegroom language and points to a coming absence that will bring fasting.
Role in the chapterThis short exchange marks Jesus' presence as a season of joy and names fasting as fitting for a later time.