Mat 9:14-15 | PNT | STEP | Disciples of John . Some who still held aloof from Christ, and really sympathized with the Pharisees ( ). Why do we and the Pharisees fast often ? The Pharisees fasted twice a week ( ), and these disciples imitated them. They could not understand why he did not require similar austerities.

Matthew 9:14-15

Disciples of John. Some who still held aloof from Christ, and really sympathized with the Pharisees (Lu 5:33).

Why do we and the Pharisees fast often? The Pharisees fasted twice a week (Lu 18:12), and these disciples imitated them. They could not understand why he did not require similar austerities. The children of the bridechamber mourn. The friends of the bridegroom, for the bride was brought to his father's house. Fasting was usually a sign of sorrow. He was himself the Bridegroom, and still with his disciples.

When the bridegroom shall be taken from them. An allusion especially to the crushing sorrow when he was crucified and buried. Real fasting takes place when there is real occasion for it. See Ac 13:2 14:23 2Co 6:5 11:27.