The Bridegroom's Feast: Mark 2:18-22

They came with questions sharp as accusations. John's disciples fasted—gaunt and hollow-eyed, denying themselves in preparation for the kingdom. The Pharisees fasted—twice a week, making sure everyone noticed their piety. But Jesus' disciples? They feasted. They laughed. They drank wine at parties with sinners.

"Why don't your disciples fast?"

Jesus smiled, and there was something ancient and knowing in it. "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom, they cannot fast."

Let that sink in. He was calling himself the bridegroom—the groom at the wedding feast of God and His people, the celebration prophets had promised for centuries. To fast now would be like weeping at a wedding, like wearing black to a coronation.