Keraia
Matthew 9

Matthew 9:14

Questions about Fasting · Matthew 9:14–15
Read Matthew 9

Translations

Modern
Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?”
Traditional
Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
Literal
Then the disciples of John come to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but Your disciples do not fast?”
Latin
Tunc accesserunt ad eum discipuli Joannis, dicentes: Quare nos, et pharisæi, jejunamus frequenter: discipuli autem tui non jejunant?

Original

Greek
English
Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

Notes

Matthew 9:14

Fast: Fasting was a way to show humility and repentance before God (2 Samuel 12:16–23; Daniel 9:3). It also reminded the nation of their need to repent (Leviticus 16:29–31; Nehemiah 9:1). Some believed fasting would help bring the Messiah more quickly by purifying God’s people.

Jesus and his disciples did not fast (Matthew 11:18–19) This was a quiet but clear message: the Messiah had already come (see also 6:16).

Matthew 9:1–17

There was debate and conflict among Jesus opponents. This included the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (Matthew 9:1–13), and also the disciples of John the Baptist (9:14–17).

Matthew 8:1–9:34

Here, the kingdom of God appears with supernatural power (see Matthew 4:23–25; 11:2–6). It reaches people who were previously excluded from God's blessings. This included:

  • non-Jewish people,

  • lepers,

  • blind people,

  • sick women,

  • people possessed by demons,

  • tax collectors,

  • those with long-term bleeding, and

  • the dead.

Jesus showed compassion to people in need. But the religious leaders reacted with anger and opposition. Jesus called his followers to respond with faith and to walk in discipleship (living as his learners and followers).

Events

Parallels

Mark 2:18–20 Luke 5:33–35

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Pharisee: A strict Jewish sect known for legalism and hypocrisy

Glossary

Disciple Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ John the Baptist Miracle

Topics

Capernaum: Miracles of Jesus Performed At Disciple of John the Baptist Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Disciples of John Fasting: Habitual by John's Disciples Fasting: Habitual by Pharisees Fasting: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Jesus, the Christ: Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners, and Discourses on Fasting (Capernaum) Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to Fasting