14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. 16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. 17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. (Matthew 9:14-17 KJV)
A Question About Fasting
The objections made against Christ and his disciples often led to some of his most profound teachings. This shows how truth can benefit even from opposition, as Christ’s wisdom brings good out of evil. This is the third instance in this chapter where an objection resulted in a meaningful discourse—first, on his power to forgive sins, then on his willingness to receive sinners, and now, on his care for his followers.
The disciples of John objected to Christ’s disciples not fasting as often as they did. This was seen as another example of their lax behavior, in addition to eating with tax collectors and sinners. It appears from other accounts (Mark 2:18; Luke 5:33) that the Pharisees joined in this complaint, possibly using John’s disciples as their spokesmen to make their argument more persuasive. It is not uncommon for bad people to stir up conflicts among good people. If God’s followers disagree, divisive individuals will use that opportunity to create discord and turn them against one another. If John’s disciples and Jesus’ disciples were at odds, the Pharisees were likely involved behind the scenes.
Their complaint was, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not?” Unfortunately, religious duties, meant to foster love and unity, often become sources of strife.
They boasted about their own fasting. “We and the Pharisees fast often.” Fasting has long been part of religious devotion. The Pharisees observed frequent fasts—twice a week—yet many of them were hypocrites. False and superficial believers often exceed others in outward acts of devotion. John’s disciples likely fasted often because their teacher did. Since John came neither eating nor drinking (Matthew 11:18), his followers imitated him, though not always for the same reasons. They also emphasized fasting because of his message of repentance. People in the early stages of faith often focus on discipline and strict practices. Over time, however, faith should lead to delight in and dependence on God.
They criticized Christ’s disciples for not fasting as often. “Your disciples do not fast.” They knew Christ had taught his disciples to fast privately, without making it obvious. It was unfair of them to assume that, because the disciples did not publicize their fasting, they did not fast at all. Religion should not be judged solely by what is visible to others. Even if Christ’s disciples did not fast as often, this did not mean they were less religious. Many people set themselves as the standard in religion, thinking anyone who does less is doing too little, and anyone who does more is excessive. This mindset reveals a lack of humility and charity.
They took this complaint directly to Christ. If Christ’s followers do something controversial, Christ himself will be criticized for it. People will say, “Are these your disciples?” For this reason, believers should conduct themselves well. First, the Pharisees complained to Christ’s disciples (Matthew 9:11), then John’s disciples complained to Christ (Matthew 9:14). This is a common way to spread division—setting people against their leaders, leaders against their people, and friends against each other.
Christ responded by defending his disciples. He could have rebuked John’s disciples by asking why they fasted so often, pointing out that many people engage in outward religious acts without understanding why. Instead, he justified his disciples’ behavior. When believers have no defense, Christ will defend them. He will always stand by those who follow his teachings. He gave two reasons why his disciples did not fast often.
I. First, it was not the right time for fasting. “Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is with them?” Christ framed his response to defend his disciples while avoiding criticism of John’s disciples. The Pharisees hoped he would either condemn his own disciples or John’s, but he did neither. When unfairly criticized, we should defend ourselves without attacking others.
His argument was based on the custom of rejoicing during wedding celebrations. Mourning and sorrow are inappropriate at such times. Christ’s disciples were like wedding guests, invited to celebrate with the bridegroom. The Pharisees’ disciples were not in this joyful state. They lived under a dispensation of fear and bondage, while Christ’s disciples lived under grace and joy. Christ, the bridegroom, was present with them. John’s disciples had reason to fast—John was imprisoned and in danger. But Christ’s disciples were in a different situation. A time would come when Jesus would be taken from them, and then they would fast. When Christ was about to leave, his disciples grieved (John 16:6). After he was gone, trials and afflictions gave them reasons to fast and pray.
This teaches several lessons. Jesus is the bridegroom of his Church, and his followers are the wedding guests. If John’s disciples remembered John’s own words (John 3:29), they would understand Christ’s response. A believer’s joy depends on the presence of Christ. When he is near, all is well; when he is distant, life feels dark and difficult. Every religious duty should be done in its proper time. There is “a time to mourn and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). When God calls for mourning, we should respond. When he gives joy, we should rejoice.
II. Second, they were not yet ready for such strict practices. Christ explained this with two illustrations. New cloth should not be sewn onto an old garment. The new patch will shrink and make the tear worse (Matthew 9:16). New wine should not be put into old wineskins. The fermentation will cause the skins to burst, spilling the wine (Matthew 9:17).
Christ’s disciples were not yet prepared for rigorous disciplines like fasting. Dr. Whitby suggests that many of John’s and the Pharisees’ disciples came from strict religious groups that practiced austerity. They were used to fasting and other demanding rituals. In contrast, Christ’s disciples had been called directly from their everyday jobs and were not accustomed to such practices. They needed time to grow before undertaking such challenges.
Some religious duties are harder than others. Just as new cloth and new wine require care, fasting and other intense spiritual disciplines require maturity. Believers grow at different rates. Some are infants in faith, while others are mature. New believers should not be burdened with difficult practices too soon. Just as infants need soft food (1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:12), young Christians need simpler spiritual disciplines. Christ himself said, “I have much more to say to you, but you cannot bear it now” (John 16:12). Pushing new believers too hard can discourage them. God led Israel out of Egypt gently (Exodus 13:17-18), and Jacob did not overdrive his flocks (Genesis 33:13). Similarly, Christ leads his followers with care.
If believers take on more than they are ready for, they may fail. Many people abandon their faith because they were overwhelmed at the start. There is such a thing as overdoing even good deeds. Being “too righteous” in an unwise way can lead to spiritual ruin.