Understanding of fasting of that time

First, let’s examine how people in that time understood fasting. (1) The Mosaic Law commanded fasting on the Day of Atonement (Levi.16:29). (2) During Jesus’ time, the Pharisees fasted twice a week. Fasting was a manifestation of religious fervor (Luke 18:12). (3) Not only the Pharisees but also John the Baptist encouraged people to fast. In his case, it was a sign of repentance (ref. Matthew 11:18). So, devout Jewish people all observed fasting. However, Jesus’ disciples were found feasting. John’s disciples and the Pharisees approached Jesus and questioned, “Why don’t your disciples fast?” This was clearly a word of reproach.

Jesus’ answer

Jesus explained that now, with the arrival of the Messiah, it’s like the time of a wedding feast. In such celebratory time, it’s inappropriate to fast, which is a practice that symbolizes repentance and sorrow. However, a time of sorrow will eventually come. Which is when the bridegroom, the Messiah, will be taken away from them. On that day, the disciples will fast. Furthermore, Jesus illustrated the contrast between the new order and the old order through two parables. (1) If you patch an old garment with a new unshrunk cloth, the patch will pull away, making the tear worse. (2) If you pour new wine into old, stretched-out wineskins, the pressure built up by the fermentation will burst the old wineskins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. Obviously, the new wine must be put into new wineskins. With the arrival of the Messiah, a new order has emerged. What matters now is not to mourn but to believe in the Messiah and join the joyful crowd. Have you been binding yourself with laws you have created? If you believe in Jesus as your Savior, a new life has begun within you. This new life can only grow through the Holy Spirit. Let’s be freed from legalism and learn to walk in the Spirit.