Fasting is a powerful spiritual practice, but in Matthew 9:14–17, Jesus offers a surprising perspective. When questioned why His disciples didn’t fast like others, Jesus explained that His presence was like a wedding celebration—an occasion for joy, not mourning. He wasn’t rejecting fasting altogether; He was redefining its purpose. Through parables about cloth patches and wineskins, He showed that His message wasn’t just a tweak to old religious routines—it was something entirely new that couldn’t be contained by outdated systems.
This passage reminds us that fasting is meant to be a heartfelt response to Jesus—not a religious duty or performance. It’s not about skipping meals; it’s about seeking God with focus and longing, especially in this time between Jesus’ resurrection and return. If you want to understand how fasting fits into your walk with Christ today and how to do it in a meaningful, biblical way, keep reading for a deeper dive into what Jesus really taught.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline found all throughout Scripture. But if you’ve ever read Matthew 9:14–17, you might’ve wondered why Jesus seems to push back on it. Isn’t fasting a good thing? Why would Jesus tell His followers not to fast while He’s with them?
Let’s take a deeper look at this key passage—and what it really means for you today.
1. The Context: Who’s Asking, and Why?
In Matthew 9:14, the disciples of John the Baptist come to Jesus with a serious question:
“Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’” (Matthew 9:14, ESV)
Now, these weren’t Jesus’ enemies. John the Baptist’s followers were sincere, devoted men. They fasted often. So did the Pharisees, though often for show. Fasting was part of Jewish religious life, especially to seek God, show repentance, or mourn.
So when they saw Jesus’ disciples not fasting, it raised eyebrows.
2. Jesus’ Answer: The Wedding Metaphor
Jesus responds with a metaphor that flips their expectations:
“Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15)
Here’s what He’s saying:
- He’s the bridegroom. That’s a bold claim. In the Old Testament, God is often described as the bridegroom (see Isaiah 62:5 or Hosea 2:19–20). Jesus is identifying Himself with God.
- His presence is a time of joy. Weddings in ancient Israel were week-long celebrations. Nobody fasted at a wedding—it would’ve been totally inappropriate.
- Fasting has a time and place. But that time wasn’t now. Not while Jesus was with them. He even says, “The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away… then they will fast.”
So Jesus isn’t throwing out fasting—He’s reframing it.
3. What the Parables Mean (Verses 16–17)
After talking about the bridegroom, Jesus gives two short parables:
“No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment… Neither is new wine put into old wineskins.” (Matthew 9:16–17)
Let’s break these down:
A. The Patch on Old Clothes
- New, unshrunk cloth sewn onto an old garment will shrink and make the tear worse.
- Meaning? You can’t just slap Jesus’ teachings onto old religious traditions. He didn’t come to patch up the old system—He came to fulfill and transform it.
B. The New Wine in Old Wineskins
- New wine ferments and expands. Old wineskins, already stretched out, can’t handle the pressure—they’ll burst.
- Jesus is saying: “My message is new wine. It can’t be contained by old structures.”
These parables reinforce what He just said: His presence changes everything.
4. So, Should Christians Fast Today?
Yes—but with the right mindset.
Jesus never canceled fasting. In fact, He assumes His followers will fast. Remember Matthew 6:16?
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites…”
Not if you fast. When you fast.
And after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension—when the “bridegroom is taken away”—we see the early church fasting often:
- Acts 13:2–3 – The church in Antioch fasts before sending out Paul and Barnabas.
- Acts 14:23 – Elders are appointed with prayer and fasting.
So fasting remains a valuable, biblical practice. But it’s not about ritual. It’s about relationship.
5. What Jesus Taught About Fasting (and What He Didn’t)
Let’s clarify a few key points:
A. Fasting Isn’t About Impressing God
Jesus condemned outward religion without inward change. In Luke 18:12, He tells the story of a Pharisee who bragged, “I fast twice a week.” But he went home unjustified—because his heart was proud.
B. Fasting Isn’t Just Skipping Meals
Biblical fasting always includes prayer, worship, repentance, or seeking God’s direction. It’s a spiritual posture, not just a dietary decision.
C. Fasting Doesn’t Manipulate God
It’s not a formula to get what you want. It’s a way to align your heart with God’s will. Think of fasting like tuning the frequency of your soul—so you can hear God more clearly.
6. What This Passage Teaches You Today
If you’re a follower of Jesus, here’s how Matthew 9:14–17 should shape your view of fasting:
1. Understand the Purpose
Fasting isn’t a religious checklist—it’s a response to the presence or absence of Jesus. You fast not to earn God’s favor, but to seek His face.
2. Time Your Fasting Well
Jesus said His disciples would fast after He was taken away. That’s the time we live in now—so fasting is totally appropriate, even necessary, for spiritual growth and focus.
3. Don’t Mix Old and New
Don’t try to add Jesus to your life like a patch or pour His truth into old habits. He calls for transformation, not decoration.
4. Let Joy Guide You
When you fast, do it with the expectation of joy—not gloom. Because even in longing, there’s hope. And Jesus promises one day we’ll feast with Him again (see Revelation 19:9).
7. Practical Tips for Fasting Today
If you’ve never fasted before, or you’re not sure where to start, here are some simple steps:
Start Small
- Try skipping one meal to pray and reflect.
- Don’t jump into a 3-day fast without preparation.
Be Intentional
- Have a clear purpose—pray for wisdom, guidance, healing, or breakthrough.
- Read Scripture while you fast—especially Psalms or the Gospels.
Stay Safe
- Drink water. If you have health conditions, talk to your doctor first.
- Fasting shouldn’t harm your body. It’s about spiritual focus, not suffering.
Conclusion: Fasting Is About Jesus, Not Ritual
Matthew 9:14–17 doesn’t throw fasting out—it shows us how to do it right.
Jesus isn’t anti-fasting. He’s anti-empty tradition. He’s not interested in rituals for ritual’s sake. What He wants is your heart. And fasting—when done with the right motives—helps bring that heart closer to Him.
So go ahead—fast. But don’t do it to impress God or earn points. Do it because you long for Jesus. Do it because you miss the Bridegroom and you want to hear His voice again.
When you fast like that, you’re not missing out. You’re making space—for joy, for clarity, and for a deeper walk with Christ.
Related Scriptures to Study:
- Isaiah 58:6–9 – What kind of fast does God desire?
- Joel 2:12 – “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting…”
- Mark 2:18–22 – Parallel passage to Matthew 9.
- Luke 5:33–39 – Another version of the same account.
FAQs – Jesus and Fasting: A Deeper Look at Matthew 9:14–17
1. What is the main point of Matthew 9:14-17?
The main point is that Jesus redefines fasting in light of His presence. He explains that while He (the bridegroom) is with His disciples, it’s a time for joy, not mourning. Once He’s gone, fasting will again have its place.
2. Why weren’t Jesus’ disciples fasting in Matthew 9:14?
Jesus said it wasn’t the time to fast because He was physically present with them. Like guests at a wedding, His followers were to celebrate while He was with them. Fasting would come later, during times of longing and seeking after His ascension.
3. Does Jesus oppose fasting in Matthew 9:14-17?
No, Jesus doesn’t oppose fasting. He clarifies its timing and meaning. He actually expects His followers to fast later, but with the right heart and purpose, not just religious routine.
4. What do the cloth and wineskins mean in this passage?
The parables of the patch and wineskins show that Jesus didn’t come to patch up old religious systems. His message is new and transformative—it can’t be contained by the old ways of doing things.
5. Is fasting still relevant for Christians today?
Yes, fasting is still relevant and biblical. After Jesus’ ascension, the early church practiced fasting regularly (see Acts 13:2–3). It remains a valuable way to seek God, gain clarity, and draw near spiritually.
6. When should Christians fast?
Christians can fast in times of prayer, decision-making, spiritual renewal, repentance, or seeking God’s guidance. It’s most effective when done with intention, not obligation.
7. How does Jesus redefine fasting in this passage?
He shifts fasting from being a ritual to a relational act. It’s not about impressing others or checking a religious box—it’s about longing for God, aligning your heart with His, and responding to spiritual hunger.
8. What’s the connection between Jesus as the bridegroom and fasting?
Jesus uses the image of a wedding to show that His presence is a time for celebration. Once He’s “taken away,” that absence leads His followers into fasting as a way to seek His presence again.
9. How can I start fasting as a Christian today?
Start small—maybe skip one meal and spend that time in prayer or reading Scripture. Have a clear spiritual focus and make sure you’re doing it to draw closer to God, not out of guilt or pressure.
10. What does Matthew 9:14-17 teach about religious tradition?
It warns against mixing the new life Jesus brings with old religious traditions that no longer serve their purpose. He came to fulfill and transform—not just add on to existing systems.
