One thing which we notice in Mark's Gospel is the impact which the ministry of Jesus was having. There were those who had been forgiven and were now followers of Christ. People had been delivered and set free, whilst others had been cleansed and healed. The people were amazed and praised God saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" (2:12). The authority of the Son of God was clear. His power over sin and His power to heal was evident. His mission to call sinners to repentance was being proclaimed. The gospel of Jesus Christ was the only message then, as it is today. It is only through Jesus that sinners can be forgiven and find acceptance with God.

But there were those with questions, and in this narrative Jesus is questioned about fasting. He answers by speaking of Himself as the Bridegroom, and then applies the lesson that the old and the new will not mix!

1. The Question He is Asked – verse 18.

Some unidentified people observed that John's disciples were fasting (undoubtedly because John was now in prison, 1:14); the Pharisees were fasting (because they saw it as part of their 'works'); but the disciples of Jesus were not. Why? Let's begin by asking another question: What is fasting? The word in Hebrew signifies 'the humble submission of the soul to God'. We would understand fasting as going without all food and drink for a period of time. Often this would naturally be linked with prayer – a time when without distraction we pray. Someone has described it as 'notifying heaven that we are in earnest about these things'. In the Old Testament there was one specified occasion for fasting, and that was the Day of Atonement – Leviticus 16:29,31. After the Exile it appears that four other fasts were identified, and these were to be "joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah" (Zechariah 8:19). But the prophets emphasised that if the fasting was not accompanied by obedience, it was in vain. God demands love, both towards Him and our neighbour. See Isaiah 58:6,7; Zechariah 7:1-10.

In addition to the annual fasts, we discover that the people fasted at particular times:-

• As an expression of grief and sorrow – 1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12; Nehemiah 1:4; Esther 4:3; Psalm 35:13,14.
• As a sign of confession and repentance – 1 Samuel 7:6; 1 Kings 21:27; Nehemiah 9:1,2; Daniel 9:3; Jonah 3:5-8.
• As a way of seeking God's guidance and direction – Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9; Judges 20:26; 2 Samuel 12:16-23; 2 Chronicles 20:3-4; Ezra 8:21-23.

2. The Answer Christ Gives – verses 19,20.

Back in Mark chapter 2, Jesus answers the question in verse 18. He uses a vivid picture of the bridegroom in two ways:

• Whilst the bridegroom is here (verse 19). The bridegroom is our Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture compares the relationship between the Lord and His people, or between Christ and His church, with that loving union between a bridegroom and his bride. (Isaiah 62:5; Ephesians 5:32; Revelation 19:7, 21:9). How could the guests fast while the bridegroom was with them? This was a time of feasting and of joy.
• When the bridegroom is taken (verse 20). Here the Lord Jesus Christ identifies a time when He will be taken from them. The reference, of course, is to His crucifixion and death. The words 'taken from them' or 'taken away' literally mean 'lifted away' or 'snatched away'. This is significant because here is an element of tragedy, a suggestion of violence. Isaiah 53:8 says, "By oppression and judgement he was taken away". This doesn't refer to the Ascension, but to the time when they would take Him, try Him, falsely accuse Him and crucify Him. It's the first reference in Mark that this would happen. But the 'gospel about Jesus Christ' is that He would go to Calvary and lay down His life to pay the penalty for our sin. When that happens, when the bridegroom is snatched away, this will be the time to fast, a day of mourning and sorrow.

3. The Lesson Christ Applies – verses 21,22.

On the eve of His crucifixion Jesus said to His disciples, "I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy" (John 16:20). Their sorrow would turn to joy when Christ was raised from the dead. He is risen. We rejoice as Christians. We're abiding in Christ, and Christ is in us by His Spirit. So what are the lessons? –

• You cannot mix the old and the new. New patches on to old cloth will not work, neither will new wine into old wineskins. Judaism and all that the Pharisees had made of it is the old; Jesus Christ has ushered in the new – see 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 10:19,20. The ceremonies and the rites, with fasting included, could not save. By faith the Old Testament saints looked forward to the day of Christ. Their faith, their trust, was in the One who would bring the new. See Hebrews 11.
• Jesus doesn't rule out fasting today. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus referred to fasting. See Matthew 6:16-18 and note the words:-
  • "when you fast" – meaning there are times when we will.
  • "do not look sombre as the hypocrites do" – in other words, don't publicise your fasting, but let it be between the Lord and yourself.
  • "your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."

In conclusion, look up the references to fasting in the early Church and notice the occasions when it took place – Acts 13:1-3; 14:23.