Mark 2:18-20 - The Proper Day of Fasting

Mark 2:18-20
18 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?” 19 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. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.

Message: The Proper Day of Fasting

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: As I continue to walk through the Gospel of Mark, I am trying to understand what Mark is focusing on in this verses. Going back to Mark 1 he is stating that Jesus purpose was to preach the gospel of repentance and believing. Along the way, people were coming to him wanting to be healed. However, he seems to be more about preaching than healing. In speaking to the paralytic his focus was on showing people the importance of forgiving sins and then healing could be done. But forgiveness of sins was that which is most important.

As Jesus is preaching, the scribes and Pharisees are watching what he is doing and often calling it into question. Jesus speaks with an authority that is greater than the rabbi's.

These verses are talking about fasting. It's clear that John the Baptist and the Pharisees and their disciples were engaging in fasting on a regular basis. There are examples in the Old Testament of people abstaining from food while they repented for sin. Fasting was often a sign of piety and the Pharisees were known for fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. I wonder if by including John the Baptist in this question Mark is communicating that this question is quite normal to be asking and isn't meant to be critical but just inquisitive.

Jesus doesn't say there is anything wrong with fasting. He simply remarks that fasting is not necessary because he is with them. But, Jesus speaks in a 3rd person manner. Likening himself to a bridegroom, Jesus reminds them that no one fasted during a wedding celebration. The time for fasting would come, but not while the bridegroom is present.

For as a young man marries a virgin,
So your sons will marry you;
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So your God will rejoice over you.Isaiah 62:5

There is a likening of the bridegroom with God Himself.

Promise: When the bridegroom was present, it was time to celebrate, and we will celebrate at the marriage supper of the Lamb when we see Jesus face-to-face. Until then, while He is visible absent, fasting is appropriate when we want to indicate the serious nature of particular prayers. While we wait for Christ's return, there are right times to fast.

Prayer: Lord, I look forward to that day when I can spend face to face time with you like the disciples had. I know it is coming. Until then, I surrender myself and with your help and grace enter into fellowship with You. Help me to understand fasting and its place in my life. I want to lean on and trust you.