Scripture Reflection Matthew 9:14-15
14Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"
Lord Jesus—By this time, there was already a shift that was going on in the public perception. John the Baptist’s mission was drawing to a close. He had done his job of pointing the people to you. Your public ministry had shifted into high gear and there were questions.
15Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?
Lord Jesus--I love the analogy of You being the bridegroom and the church being the bride. Here the picture changes a bit: it is the before picture. It is just before the wedding and the friends of the bridegroom are gathered around. It is a time of celebration…a time of looking backward at where this friend has come from…and a time of looking forward to a new life established.
This time with Your disciples was a pivotal time. It was a time not of fasting but of feasting. They were drinking in every word, and every phrase. In the future the disciples would look back to this time and long to have it this simple again.
The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Lord Jesus--This was a reference to your death. There would come a time when these same men would fast for and pray for direction in the middle of confusing and difficult times. They would long for the days when communication was concrete and with less ambiguity.
There are times when I need communication that is concrete and direct without ambiguity. There is still the ability to connect with you Lord in fasting. It is not easy but helpful for clarity in those time when ambiguity is all around.
Lord Jesus in this day that is dawning around me…lead me in your ways. Help me to lean on and to listen to your call today.
14Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"
Lord Jesus—By this time, there was already a shift that was going on in the public perception. John the Baptist’s mission was drawing to a close. He had done his job of pointing the people to you. Your public ministry had shifted into high gear and there were questions.
15Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?
Lord Jesus--I love the analogy of You being the bridegroom and the church being the bride. Here the picture changes a bit: it is the before picture. It is just before the wedding and the friends of the bridegroom are gathered around. It is a time of celebration…a time of looking backward at where this friend has come from…and a time of looking forward to a new life established.
This time with Your disciples was a pivotal time. It was a time not of fasting but of feasting. They were drinking in every word, and every phrase. In the future the disciples would look back to this time and long to have it this simple again.
The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Lord Jesus--This was a reference to your death. There would come a time when these same men would fast for and pray for direction in the middle of confusing and difficult times. They would long for the days when communication was concrete and with less ambiguity.
There are times when I need communication that is concrete and direct without ambiguity. There is still the ability to connect with you Lord in fasting. It is not easy but helpful for clarity in those time when ambiguity is all around.
Lord Jesus in this day that is dawning around me…lead me in your ways. Help me to lean on and to listen to your call today.
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