But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
The saying was given to answer the complaint over why his own disciples ate and drank, even feasting with publicans and sinners, while John's disciples fasted often and made prayers and the Pharisees' disciples did likewise. It explains the difference between their austere, rigorous fasting and the freedom of his disciples in his presence. He is the bridegroom and his disciples are the children of the bridechamber. While the bridegroom was with them they could not fast.
While he was with them, teaching them and giving them reason for trust and joy, the occasion called for rejoicing and joy rather than mourning and fasting. They had no reason to mourn and fast as the Pharisees did. His presence explains why their practice differed from the austere fasting of John's and the Pharisees' followers.
The verse predicts days to come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then fasting in those days will be fitting for them. Being taken away means his going back to heaven, leaving his disciples alone to meet the unbelief and darkness of the world. So in his absence until he returns the second time it is fitting for the church to fast and mourn.
Being taken away also refers to his approaching suffering and death. As they saw him rejected, abused, condemned and crucified they would grieve, and their faith, hope and courage would be tried and fail. In those days of trial and temptation, when the Comforter's presence was not clearly discerned, mourning and fasting would be fitting.
The saying was given to answer the complaint over why his own disciples ate and drank, even feasting with publicans and sinners, while John's disciples fasted often and made prayers and the Pharisees' disciples did likewise. It explains the difference between their austere, rigorous fasting and the freedom of his disciples in his presence. He is the bridegroom and his disciples are the children of the bridechamber. While the bridegroom was with them they could not fast.
While he was with them, teaching them and giving them reason for trust and joy, the occasion called for rejoicing and joy rather than mourning and fasting. They had no reason to mourn and fast as the Pharisees did. His presence explains why their practice differed from the austere fasting of John's and the Pharisees' followers.
The verse predicts days to come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then fasting in those days will be fitting for them. Being taken away means his going back to heaven, leaving his disciples alone to meet the unbelief and darkness of the world. So in his absence until he returns the second time it is fitting for the church to fast and mourn.
Being taken away also refers to his approaching suffering and death. As they saw him rejected, abused, condemned and crucified they would grieve, and their faith, hope and courage would be tried and fail. In those days of trial and temptation, when the Comforter's presence was not clearly discerned, mourning and fasting would be fitting.