Mark 2:18-22 – Fussing about fasting

In verses 18-22, Mark comes to the third of the five controversies. This time it was about the tradition of fasting. This was a Jewish tradition extrapolated from the Law of Moses that required fasting only on the Day of Atonement. By the time of the New Testament, many pious Jew would fast twice a week as a tradition more than its intended purpose. The Pharisees in particular exercised this religiously with scant regard for its purpose. For them, it became a hypocritical show than a genuine exercise to seek God. And people came to think of fasting as mandatory.   

So here in verse 18 we see the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees fasting, but the disciples of Jesus were not. Some people were puzzled so they came to Jesus, asking Him why His disciples were not fasting.  In His answer to the inquirers, Jesus used the analogy of a wedding. Fasting is antithesis to the purpose of a wedding banquet when the bridegroom is present. Here the Lord alluded to Himself as the bridegroom. Being with Him was like attending a wedding feast and should be celebrated, hence fasting was not necessary for the moment. Then the Lord also vaguely alluded to His eventual death. On that day, when He the bridegroom would be taken away from them, that would be the right time to fast. This could be suggesting a time of mourning.

In verses 21-22 Jesus used two metaphors, new un-shrunk cloth and new wine, to refer to His presence and work. Then He used another two metaphors, old garment and old wine-skin to refer to traditions which fasting was a part of. He likens His presence as the establishment of a new movement – the Kingdom of God. It would be foolhardy to force old traditions into the new movement that His presence was establishing.

The Lord was not objecting to fasting. He was more concerned that it should be exercised with the purpose in view and at the appropriate time. When it’s time for celebration, no one should act pious and fast for show. When the right time comes, fasting should be exercised so that God’s Kingdom could advance.  We should fast but do it appropriately and with proper intention. Don’t major in trifles!