Why the Disciples of Christ Did not Fast
Expository Discourses. Mark 2:18-20 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say to him… Christ went in the face of many Jewish customs and prejudices. I. The Jews, as a nation and church, had many fasts. II. The disciples of John fasted often. III. The Pharisees and their disciples fasted often — twice in the week, the second and fifth day. Their real state of mind contrasted with this exercise. How reason staggers in the things of God. IV. These parties naturally complained of the disciples of Christ for not fasting. 1. Fasting seemed so essential. 2. They attributed the conduct of the disciples of Christ to Christ Himself. 3. In this instance, Christ gave His sanction and defence to the conduct of His disciples. His vindication was: — He was with them — they were joyful, fasting not suited, etc. He would leave them — they would be sorrowful, fasting then suitable.This view enforced by two comparisons. 1. Christ sanctions fasting. 2. The time for fasting should be decided by the fact of Christ's presence or absence. Beware of attaching too much importance to forms. (Expository Discourses.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? WEB: John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?"