Gospel

Not Time Yet

by Roland Crim
07/28/19
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Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. Mark 2:18-20 NIV

I believe the question these people put before Jesus was reasonable. Why, even John’s disciples, those who followed the preparer of the Lord’s way fasted.

Remember that before His ministry began, Jesus fasted for forty days in the desert. Being away from people and fasting provided Him with an atmosphere suitable for His communing with the Father. Jesus knows that fasting can be good in the life of one devoted to God.

But, at this time, the Lord was preparing His disciples for the important mission ahead of them….sharing the Good News once He departed from them. He even sent them out to towns while He was still with them, having them share the word of God, as well as healing the sick. These men did not need fasting while Jesus was with them, as they could see Him and did not require fasting as a means to remember and commune with Him.

Jesus knew though that there would come a time when He, the bridegroom, would be taken away form the bride, the disciples (and believers). He let those present know that when this event occurred, His disciples would then fast.

Oh, to be close to the Lord. To feel His presence as you listen to Him. Use fasting when appropriate in your relationship with God.