Mat 9:15 | KingComments | STEP | In connection to the confrontation with the Pharisees, disciples of John come to the Lord with a question about fasting. There were regular fasts ( ). They adhered strictly to this, as did the disciples of the Pharisees. By naming themselves in the same breath as the disciples of the Pharisees, they show by which spirit they allow themselves to be guided. The fact that they are still disciples of John does not mean that John did his best to keep them with him. Some of his disciples have left him to follow the Lord ( ). That is how John wanted it to be. But these people hold on to what John taught, despite the fact that the Lord has come. It is difficult for them to say goodbye to external customs, as it is difficult for anyone who grew up in a system of laws and regulations. In addition, there is another characteristic. Legal people not only impose a yoke on themselves, but also want to impose it on others. They condemn others for freedoms they do not afford themselves from their legal attitude to life. This attitude characterizes the disciples of John. That’s why they come with their question to the Lord. They do not understand why His disciples do not fast. Another reason for their question is that they don’t know the Bridegroom. When the Lord speaks of the Bridegroom in answer to their question, He means Himself. He calls His disciples the attendants of the bridegroom. He points out that there will come a time when the Bridegroom will have been taken away from them. By this He means the time that will come after His rejection by His people and His ascension.

‏ Matthew 9:15

Fasting

In connection to the confrontation with the Pharisees, disciples of John come to the Lord with a question about fasting. There were regular fasts (Zec 8:19). They adhered strictly to this, as did the disciples of the Pharisees. By naming themselves in the same breath as the disciples of the Pharisees, they show by which spirit they allow themselves to be guided.

The fact that they are still disciples of John does not mean that John did his best to keep them with him. Some of his disciples have left him to follow the Lord (Jn 1:35-37). That is how John wanted it to be. But these people hold on to what John taught, despite the fact that the Lord has come. It is difficult for them to say goodbye to external customs, as it is difficult for anyone who grew up in a system of laws and regulations.

In addition, there is another characteristic. Legal people not only impose a yoke on themselves, but also want to impose it on others. They condemn others for freedoms they do not afford themselves from their legal attitude to life. This attitude characterizes the disciples of John. That’s why they come with their question to the Lord. They do not understand why His disciples do not fast.

Another reason for their question is that they don’t know the Bridegroom. When the Lord speaks of the Bridegroom in answer to their question, He means Himself. He calls His disciples the attendants of the bridegroom. He points out that there will come a time when the Bridegroom will have been taken away from them. By this He means the time that will come after His rejection by His people and His ascension.