Mark 2:18-3:6

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.’” (Mark 2:19, NKJV)

The disciples of John and the Pharisees practiced fasting. The Pharisees fasted two days a week from sunrise to sunset. Both groups came to Jesus wanting to know why His disciples did not fast. They suffered for their religion, so why didn’t Jesus make His followers do the same thing? Perhaps they thought Jesus was being too soft.

Jesus answered their question with another question: “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?” Jewish weddings were elaborate affairs usually lasting a week. For a hardworking groom, this was the happiest time in his life, and his friends were expected to celebrate with him. Likewise, Jesus was with His disciples, and His mere presence was cause for rejoicing.

“But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” (Mark 2:20, NKJV)

When Jesus was arrested and crucified, then they fasted. But this only lasted for three days, for their sorrow turned to joy when they saw Him after His resurrection! For the next forty days, they rejoiced with the Bridegroom whenever He showed up.

But what about later? During the Last Supper, Jesus told them:

“I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth... I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:16–18, NKJV)

Then before Jesus ascended into heaven, He said:

“Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, ESV)

This means that the Bridegroom is still with us by the Holy Spirit! And David wrote:

“You will show me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, NKJV)

This is the reason we can “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).

But how conscious are we of His presence? We say that we are in the presence of the Lord when we go to church, but do we realize that we are always in His presence and that He will never leave us nor forsake us? Are we rejoicing accordingly, or are we down in the mouth?

“Heavenly Father, thank you that we are not alone, but the Bridegroom is with us by His Spirit. Help us be more aware of Your presence and rejoice always in You. May the joy of the Lord be our abiding strength today. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.”