Luke 5:33
And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
Luke 5 belongs to the record of Christ's works for the spiritual and physical needs of those who sought His help, showing Him as the great Medical Missionary and the great Restorer. The question there contrasts the regular fasting and praying of John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees with the eating and drinking of Jesus' disciples. Jews treated fasting as an act of merit, with the most rigid fasting twice a week, and John's disciples were following rabbinical rules in hope of being justified by works of the law. The question arose from comparing that austere religious practice and rigorous fasting with Jesus' practice of feasting with publicans and sinners, which seemed to conflict with John's austere example. John's disciples asked partly because they were mourning that their teacher was in prison and did not clearly understand Christ's work, so they thought the Pharisees' criticism might have some truth.
The contrast was used to stir dissatisfaction with Jesus and His teaching of mercy and love. Jesus answered that His disciples do not fast while He, the bridegroom, is with them, since like guests at a wedding His presence is a reason for joy rather than mourning and fasting. After He is taken away, His disciples will fast. His departure leaves them to face the world without Him, and the church fasts and mourns as it awaits His return.
His ministry of healing gives precious lessons for those who would serve needy souls. Those engaged in gospel ministry and medical missionaries everywhere are called to learn His meekness and lowliness of heart. They are to testify to His power and do for needy souls the work He did on earth.