Chapter 2 (NIV)
18Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?"
19Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. 20But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.
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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. (Mark 2:18-20 NASB)
The first question that arises to me as I read these verses is: "Why does Jesus speak in parables so that people look at Him stunned, since they don't understand what He is saying?" At this point, I can imagine how some people might have left the scene thinking that the teachings of Jesus is too difficult. On the other hand, there were also people who stayed with Him until the end, believing that Jesus was the true Christ and the promised king/ messiah. In the same way, we should not get bogged down or slow down in our Chrisian walk when our lives as disciples become difficult. We should try to be the last men/women standing until the return of Christ.... Moreover,in these verses, bridegroom clearly represents Jesus. Further, according to a few sermons I have listened to in the past, the bride represents the church. Hence, the bride and bridegroom represent the church and Jesus Christ. As the bride and bridegroom belong together, the church should be one with Christ. Here, we should not institutionalize church but think about the actual and original meaning of the church -> Jesus said the following to point out what church should be like: "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (Matt 18:20)." We should sincerely think about what my personal contributions are to build a church which Christ desires from us.
If I were to be there at that moment, I would be confused on what he is saying. This is the first time I believe when Jesus speaks about his death and eventually departing from us (in physical form) since the day he leaves (dies) is the day we fast.
An interesting thing is why were they fasting in the first place? And just because they were fasting why did they need to ask others why they weren't fasting with them? Was this some special fasting period? It almost sounds like that "oh since we are fasting and suffering from hunger, you should too."
I had a good conversation of fasting with a friend of mime last night and I'm continuing to meditate on the purpose/ways/effectiveness of fasting.
i'm guessing it was one of those jewish holidays. most likely yom kippur (i know because my jewish roomies fasted for like 2 days during that holiday). i think the people asked that question because JC and His disciples were not observing the rituals of one of the most holy jewish holidays (it is the day of the atonement, where after 25 hrs of fasting you burn away all the sins you've accumulated in the previous year, usually followed with an animal sacrifice), and they were either shocked and wanted to see if JC knew something they didn't or just wanted to find a fault with Him. i believe that JC was answering the ppl that He is the ultimate sacrifice to atone for all sins, thus those who are with Him no longer need to be bound to the rituals of old. and as for fasting when He is gone, i believe He's speaking about us dying to ourselves, to be born again in Him.
anyways, hi everyone, this is Daniel. woosub invited me to this blog. it's been really encouraging to read your thoughts and seeing how you guys share daily with each other. thanks.
hi everyone, this is daniel. been invited to join you guys by woosub...i've been reading the blog for about a couple weeks now and it's been really encouraging to see how you guys read, meditate and share together.
as for the passage, i think the jews were fasting because it was one of their holidays. most likely yom kippur during which they fast for 25 hrs. (i know this cuz i had 3 jewish roomies back in school.) this is also considered the holiest holiday among the jews...it's a holiday for the atonement of their sins which have been accumulated in the previous year and they used to finish it by offering sacrifices. i think now they have a sumptuous feast afterwards.
i think the ppl asked JC the question because i'm sure it must've been shocking to see JC and His disciples not observe the rituals of their holiest holiday. JC's answer that they do not need to fast is, i think, because He is the one true atoning sacrifice for our sins.
as for why His disciples will fast once He leaves...i think He's referring to how we should die to ourselves to be born again in Him.
once again glad to join you guys.
interesting to me that Jesus describes his followers as guests of the bridegroom rather than the bride of the bridegroom.
the reception of a wedding brings to mind feasting and celebrating. that is what everyone should be doing with jesus in their midst.
i agree w/ michael that this seems to be the first that jesus hints at his own death. why did he speak in parables? i think because he wanted people to figure things out slowly for themselves. that's how we really learn. a good teacher scaffolds knowledge - giving just a piece at a time so that the students are able to construct on their own.
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