In Matthew 9, Jesus’ response to questions about fasting reveals that true worship isn’t about rigid traditions—it’s about relationship. When Jesus calls Himself the Bridegroom, He’s showing that fasting and other spiritual practices are meaningful only when they come from a heart that longs for Him. His presence changes everything. You don’t fast out of habit; you fast out of hunger for God. And when He’s near, celebration—not mourning—is the right response.
Jesus also warns that new life in Him can’t fit into old religious systems. Worship isn’t about performance or routine—it’s about responding to the living God with sincerity. If you’ve ever wondered whether your spiritual habits are really connecting you to God, His words in this passage can help you rethink your approach. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what Jesus teaches about fasting, worship, and how to follow Him with your whole heart.
Fasting shows up all over the Bible. It’s tied to repentance, humility, and seeking God. But in Matthew 9:14–17, Jesus flips the script on what people expected fasting to be. If you want to understand what true worship looks like—not just tradition, but heart-deep devotion—you’ve got to look closely at what He says here.
Let’s break it down and see what Jesus is really teaching.
1. The Context: Why Are People Asking Jesus About Fasting?
“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)
John’s disciples and the Pharisees both practiced regular fasting. It was part of their spiritual rhythm. So they’re confused: why doesn’t Jesus have His disciples do the same?
That’s a fair question. Fasting was tied to mourning, repentance, and longing for God. They were showing their devotion to God by going without food. Why wouldn’t Jesus encourage the same?
2. Jesus’ Answer: You Don’t Fast at a Wedding
“Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?” — Matthew 9:15a (ESV)
Jesus responds with a question. He compares His presence to a wedding celebration. His disciples aren’t fasting because they’re in the presence of the Bridegroom—Himself.
Here’s the big idea:
Fasting is often linked to longing for God’s presence. But Jesus is saying: I’m already here. You don’t fast when the thing you’re longing for is standing right in front of you.
That changes everything. It reframes fasting, not as a routine religious act, but as something deeply relational.
3. Fasting Has a Time and Purpose
“The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” — Matthew 9:15b (ESV)
Jesus isn’t saying fasting is bad. He’s saying it’s about timing.
Two key points here:
- Right now, the disciples are celebrating. Jesus is with them.
- Later, when He’s gone (after His death, resurrection, and ascension), then fasting will be appropriate.
Fasting isn’t about proving how holy you are. It’s about hunger—spiritual hunger. When Jesus was physically with His disciples, they weren’t hungry in that way. But once He left, fasting would become a way to long for His return and deeper connection with Him.
4. The Deeper Meaning: Old Wineskins Can’t Hold New Wine
“No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment… Neither is new wine put into old wineskins.” — Matthew 9:16–17 (ESV)
Now Jesus gives two quick parables:
- Don’t patch old clothes with new cloth.
- Don’t pour new wine into old wineskins.
Why? Because both will break.
Here’s His point:
You can’t pour the new life and power of the gospel into the old systems of religion. It won’t work. True worship isn’t about doing all the right rituals at the right time. It’s about responding to the living God with a heart that’s been changed.
The Pharisees were obsessed with the form—rules, fasts, outward piety. But Jesus came to bring something new. Fasting wasn’t eliminated. It was redefined.
5. So What Does This Teach Us About True Worship?
Jesus’ words in Matthew 9 reshape how we think about worship—and fasting is just one example. Here’s what they teach us:
1. True Worship Is Relational, Not Ritualistic
- The disciples didn’t fast because Jesus was with them.
- Worship isn’t just about doing spiritual things. It’s about knowing and enjoying the presence of God.
- If your worship is only based on checking boxes (read the Bible, pray, fast), you’re missing the point.
2. Fasting Is a Response to God, Not a Requirement to Earn His Favor
- You don’t fast to make God love you more.
- You fast because you long for Him.
- It’s not a burden—it’s a desire-driven practice.
3. You Need a New Heart to Worship in a New Way
- New wine = the gospel and the Holy Spirit.
- Old wineskins = man-made religion, performance-based righteousness.
- You can’t follow Jesus with an old, rule-based mindset. He’s after your heart.
6. How This Applies to You Today
So what does this mean for your everyday life?
If you’re fasting:
- Ask yourself why. Are you just doing it out of tradition?
- Or are you truly seeking closeness with God?
If you’re not fasting:
- Don’t feel guilty.
- But also, don’t ignore fasting as a spiritual tool.
- There are seasons when fasting becomes a powerful act of worship, especially when you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, or revival.
In general:
- Let your worship be rooted in love, not duty.
- Jesus is alive and present now through the Holy Spirit. Worship Him as someone real—not a distant idea.
7. Final Takeaways
Let’s simplify it. Here’s what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 9:
| Truth | What It Means |
| Jesus is the Bridegroom | Worship is a relationship |
| Fasting is about longing | You fast when you miss Him |
| Old ways can’t hold new life | Don’t limit God to rituals |
| True worship is from the heart | It’s not about performance |
8. Quick FAQ About Fasting and Worship
Q: Should Christians fast today?
A: Yes, but not out of obligation. Fast when it draws you closer to God.
Q: Is fasting required to worship?
A: No. Worship comes from the heart. Fasting can help focus it, but it’s not required.
Q: What’s a simple way to start fasting?
A: Begin with a short fast—skip one meal and spend that time in prayer. Focus on Jesus, not just going without food.
Final Words
Jesus’ words in Matthew 9 aren’t just about fasting. They’re about a new way to relate to God. True worship isn’t about rules or rituals. It’s about knowing Jesus personally.
When you fast, pray, or worship—do it because you love Him. Not because you’re trying to earn something.
You’ve got the Bridegroom. Now worship like He’s in the room.
FAQ 1: What does Matthew 9 say about fasting?
Jesus explains in Matthew 9:14–17 that fasting is not just a religious duty but a response to His presence. He compares Himself to a bridegroom and says that while He’s with His disciples, fasting isn’t needed—but once He’s gone, they’ll fast again.
FAQ 2: What do Jesus’ words about fasting in Matthew 9 teach us about true worship?
They teach us that true worship is relational, not ritualistic. Jesus shows that religious practices like fasting should flow from a heart that longs for Him—not just from habit or pressure.
FAQ 3: Why did Jesus compare Himself to a bridegroom?
In Jewish culture, a bridegroom’s presence meant celebration. Jesus uses this image to show that His presence brings joy, not mourning. When He’s near, worship is joyful, not sorrowful.
FAQ 4: Does Jesus say we should stop fasting altogether?
No. Jesus says His followers will fast after He is taken from them. Fasting is still important—but it must come from a desire to seek Him, not to follow empty tradition.
FAQ 5: What do the old wineskins and new wine mean in Matthew 9?
Old wineskins represent rigid religious systems. New wine symbolizes the new life and freedom Jesus brings. You can’t experience true worship if you’re stuck in old mindsets and traditions that can’t hold the new life of the gospel.
FAQ 6: How does this passage help us understand true worship today?
It helps us see that worship is about being with Jesus and longing for Him—not checking off spiritual tasks. True worship is about heart connection, not performance.
FAQ 7: Should Christians fast today?
Yes, but not as a rule. Christians should fast when they’re seeking God intentionally—whether for guidance, spiritual renewal, or deeper intimacy with Him.
FAQ 8: How can I tell if my worship is genuine or just routine?
Ask yourself: Am I doing this to connect with God or just because I feel like I’m supposed to? Genuine worship flows from love, not obligation.
FAQ 9: What’s a practical way to start fasting as part of true worship?
Start small—maybe skip one meal to spend time in prayer. Let the focus be on Jesus, not just going without food. Use the time to express your longing for Him.
FAQ 10: What’s the main takeaway from Matthew 9:14–17?
Jesus is teaching that worship must change to match the new life He brings. Rituals like fasting aren’t the point—being with Him and longing for Him is.
