They Cannot: Mark 2:18-20
How frequently is life a celebration?
Jesus is questioned about fasting. Prior to getting into Jesus’ teaching, two thoughts need highlighting.
First, compare this story in Mark with the parallel story in Matthew 9:14-17. In Mark, Jesus says, “Can the wedding guests fast as long as the bridegroom is with them?” In Matthew, Jesus says, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?” This is significant because there might be context going on that neither author tells us. It is possible that John’s disciples and the Pharisees fast because they are in mourning for some reason.
Second, while mourning may be the predominant spiritual reason for fasting, it is not the only reason. People fast to draw closer to God. People fast to help their mind and spirit focus on the important things. People fast on a particular day as an act of remembrance. People fast to attempt to curry God’s favor.
Jesus responds to the question by asserting that Jesus’ disciples are currently with Him. As Jesus’ disciples are walking with God in the moment, what’s the point of fasting? Jesus declares that it is not even possible to fast in the presence of God.
This is profound. I’ve missed the fact that Jesus says “as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast” my entire life. Walking with God is cause for celebration. If we’re celebrating, can we fast?
This teaching hits hard today. I know fasting is a legitimate biblical practice. It was done in the Old Testament. Jesus teaches about fasting in the Sermon on he Mount. In this passage Jesus says a time comes when He won’t be around and His disciples will feel like fasting is appropriate once more. Yet this point only raises more questions about fasting!
When Jesus makes this point, it feels like He is talking about the crucifixion and the days prior to the resurrection. I can only imagine how the disciples would have felt like fasting in those dark days. But at Pentecost the Holy Spirit is given. Those in Christ no longer walk beside Christ, we walk with Christ dwelling in us through the presence of the Holy Spirit!
If I feel God’s presence and walk with Him, don’t I have cause to celebrate? If I am celebrating the presence of God – the Holy Spirit dwelling within – can I fast? When, then, is it right to fast?
Return to the text at hand. John’s disciples and the Pharisees had reason to fast. Therefore, they fasted, and Jesus didn’t critique their fasting. Yet Jesus’ disciples didn’t fast because they focused on celebrating being in the presence of God. Jesus didn’t critique His disciples, either. Jesus indicates that if this moment of your life lends to fasting, then fast. But anytime you are focused on how cool it is to walk with God – His Spirit dwelling inside – then celebrate!
How frequently is life a celebration?
