In Matthew 9, Jesus redefines fasting by shifting it from a rigid religious duty to a relational, Christ-centered practice. When questioned why His disciples weren’t fasting like others, Jesus compared Himself to a bridegroom at a wedding—saying it’s not time to mourn when He’s present. He taught that fasting isn’t about rituals anymore, but about longing for His presence, especially when He’s no longer physically with us. This marked a turning point: fasting is now rooted in joy, hope, and intimacy with Him.
Jesus also used the parables of new cloth and new wine to show that the old ways couldn’t contain what He was bringing. New covenant fasting is deeply personal—it’s about desiring more of God, not just following rules. If you’ve ever felt pressure to fast out of guilt or obligation, Jesus’ words offer real freedom. Keep reading to understand how to fast with purpose, power, and deeper connection to Christ.
Fasting has always been a part of religious devotion. It shows discipline, humility, and dependence on God. But in Matthew 9, Jesus completely reframes the practice. If you’ve ever wondered why fasting feels different in the New Testament than in the Old, this passage is key. Let’s break down exactly what Jesus meant, what He changed, and how it affects your spiritual life today.
The Scene: A Question About Fasting
Matthew 9:14–15 (NIV) sets the stage:
“Then John’s disciples came and asked him, ‘How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.’”
This wasn’t just curiosity—it was a challenge. John the Baptist’s disciples and the Pharisees fasted regularly, often twice a week (Luke 18:12). So why weren’t Jesus’ followers doing the same?
Jesus’ answer is simple but deep: “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?” In other words, fasting doesn’t make sense when you’re at a wedding celebration.
What Did Fasting Mean Before Jesus?
Before Jesus’ ministry, fasting had clear religious purposes:
- Repentance: People fasted to show sorrow for sin (Joel 2:12).
- Humility before God: Fasting showed total dependence on Him (Psalm 35:13).
- Seeking divine help: In times of crisis, people fasted and prayed for deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:3).
- National mourning: On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), fasting was required (Leviticus 16:29-31).
These fasts were often public and routine. Some were sincere. Others were performative—done to look holy. That’s why Jesus later warned in Matthew 6:16-18 not to fast with a gloomy face just to impress people.
Jesus Shifts the Focus: The Bridegroom Is Here
When Jesus calls Himself “the bridegroom,” He’s making a bold statement. In Jewish culture, weddings were joyful, multi-day celebrations. No one fasted at a wedding. It was time to eat, drink, and celebrate.
So Jesus is saying:
- He is the bridegroom.
- His presence is the wedding.
- This moment is not for mourning but joy.
To fast while Jesus is with them would be like skipping cake at your own wedding. It just doesn’t fit.
This is the first major shift: fasting isn’t just about religious ritual anymore—it’s about timing and relationship.
A Time Will Come to Fast—But Differently
Jesus doesn’t throw fasting out altogether. He says:
“The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15)
He’s pointing to His future death and departure. That moment of loss—Good Friday, the crucifixion—will be cause for mourning. And after His resurrection and ascension, His followers will fast again.
But here’s the difference:
- It won’t be out of duty or ritual.
- It’ll be out of longing.
- It’s not legalistic. It’s relational.
New Testament fasting is about hunger—not for food, but for more of Jesus.
The New Wineskin Principle: Why Old Methods Don’t Fit
Jesus continues in Matthew 9:16–17 with two short parables:
“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment… Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins…”
Here’s what He’s saying:
- Old patterns (like ritual fasting) can’t contain the new life Jesus brings.
- You can’t force the kingdom of God into outdated religious forms.
- Fasting has to be reshaped by the gospel.
This is the second major shift: Jesus didn’t just tweak old traditions—He transformed them.
3 Key Ways Jesus Redefined Fasting
1. From Obligation to Intimacy
Old fasting: a rule to follow.
New fasting: a response to relationship.
You fast now not to earn favor, but to grow closer to Jesus. It’s like clearing distractions so you can hear Him better.
2. From Sorrow to Hope
Yes, Jesus mentioned mourning. But it’s temporary.
Today’s fasting is hopeful. You fast because you believe Jesus is returning. You’re saying, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20) with your whole body.
3. From Public Performance to Private Devotion
In Matthew 6:17–18, Jesus says:
“When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others… and your Father… will reward you.”
Fasting is now between you and God. No show. No shame. Just a secret longing for more of Him.
Why This Matters for You Today
Fasting isn’t about guilt or looking religious. It’s about desire. When you fast today, you’re saying:
- “Jesus, I want You more than comfort.”
- “I miss You—come closer.”
- “I need Your presence more than food.”
If you’re fasting just to tick a spiritual box, it’ll feel empty. But if you fast because you want to know Jesus more, that’s exactly the kind of fasting He redefined and invites you into.
Practical Tips for Gospel-Centered Fasting
If you’re wondering how to actually fast the way Jesus taught, start here:
- Set your motive: Ask yourself, “Am I doing this to seek Jesus or to prove something?”
- Start small: Try skipping one meal and use that time to pray or read Scripture.
- Be specific: Fast with a purpose—maybe for guidance, breakthrough, or spiritual renewal.
- Stay humble: Don’t announce it. Let God meet you in the quiet.
- Expect hunger—for God: Physical hunger will remind you of your deeper hunger for Jesus.
Final Thought: Jesus Is the Point
In Matthew 9, Jesus didn’t cancel fasting. He corrected it. He moved it from empty ritual to meaningful connection. He made it about Him.
So if you fast, do it not to earn anything—but because you’re already loved and you want more of the One who loves you. That’s the kind of fasting that changes lives.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Let your fasting be hunger for Jesus—and He promises to fill you.
10 FAQs About How Jesus Redefined Fasting in Matthew 9: A Shift in Spiritual Practices
1. What does Matthew 9 say about fasting?
In Matthew 9:14–15, Jesus is asked why His disciples don’t fast like others. He replies that fasting isn’t appropriate while He—the Bridegroom—is present. But once He’s taken away, then they will fast. This shows a shift from traditional, routine fasting to a new, relational approach.
2. How did Jesus redefine fasting in Matthew 9?
Jesus redefined fasting by tying it directly to His presence. Instead of a mandatory ritual, He made fasting about intimacy, longing, and spiritual connection. Fasting became a response to the absence of the Bridegroom (Jesus), not just a religious habit.
3. What does Jesus mean by calling Himself the Bridegroom?
In Jewish culture, a bridegroom was central to a joyful celebration. By calling Himself the Bridegroom, Jesus was claiming to be the focus of spiritual joy and fulfillment. Fasting while He was present would be as inappropriate as mourning at a wedding.
4. Does Jesus reject fasting completely in Matthew 9?
No, Jesus doesn’t reject fasting. He affirms that fasting will have a place after He’s taken away. What He rejects is fasting as an empty or ritualistic act without meaning or connection to Him.
5. Why weren’t Jesus’ disciples fasting at the time?
Jesus’ disciples weren’t fasting because they were in the presence of the Messiah. It was a time for joy, not mourning. Fasting didn’t make sense in that moment—it would’ve missed the point entirely.
6. How should Christians fast today based on Matthew 9?
Christians should fast with a focus on Jesus—out of hunger for His presence and a desire to draw closer to Him. It’s no longer about religious duty, but about love, longing, and spiritual connection.
7. What are the “new wineskins” Jesus refers to in this passage?
Jesus uses the parable of new wine and wineskins (Matthew 9:17) to show that the old systems (like ritualistic fasting) can’t contain the new way He brings. The gospel requires new structures, new thinking, and new motives.
8. How does this shift affect modern spiritual practices?
It encourages believers to approach practices like fasting with purpose, not obligation. The focus moves from external appearance to internal transformation and personal connection with Jesus.
9. Is fasting still necessary for Christians?
Fasting isn’t required, but it’s still a powerful spiritual discipline. When done with the right heart, it deepens your relationship with God and realigns your desires with His.
10. What’s the biggest takeaway from how Jesus redefined fasting in Matthew 9?
The biggest takeaway is that fasting is about relationship, not religion. Jesus invites you to fast not because you have to—but because you love Him and want more of Him in your life.
