The guests of the bridegroom: John the Baptist described the Messiah and his disciples this way (John 3:29). He used Old Testament images to show who Jesus really was (see Matthew 25:1–13; Isaiah 54:5–6).
taken away: This is the first prediction Jesus made about his violent death (see Matthew 16:21; 17:12, 22–23; 20:18–19; 26:2, 26–35; Isaiah 53:8).
then they will fast: Jesus might be talking about the disciples' sadness right after his crucifixion, or their way of living after his death and resurrection (see Acts 9:9; 13:2–3; 14:23; 27:9, 33).