Meaning of Matthew 9:15

This verse from Matthew 9:15, spoken by Jesus, explains the apparent contrast between his disciples' lack of fasting and the common practice of fasting among other religious groups. Jesus uses the analogy of a wedding celebration to illustrate his point: just as wedding guests rejoice in the presence of the bridegroom and do not mourn, his disciples, in his presence, are experiencing a season of spiritual joy and celebration. The "bridegroom" here is a clear metaphor for Jesus himself, and the "guests" are his followers. The verse anticipates a future time when Jesus will be "taken away," referring to his crucifixion and subsequent ascension, at which point his disciples will indeed experience sorrow and engage in fasting as a spiritual discipline.

Context and Background

The immediate context for this statement is Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners, a practice that drew criticism from the Pharisees and John the Baptist's disciples. They questioned why Jesus' disciples did not fast, a common religious observance intended to express repentance, humility, and devotion to God. Fasting was a significant aspect of Jewish piety, particularly in the Second Temple period, and was often performed to seek God's favor or to express sorrow for sin. The Pharisees, in particular, were known for their rigorous fasting practices, often fasting twice a week (Luke 18:12).

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is the qualitative difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant that Jesus inaugurates. Jesus is not abolishing fasting or other spiritual disciplines but repositioning them within the context of his presence. The presence of the bridegroom (Jesus) signifies a season of unprecedented joy and fulfillment, making outward expressions of sorrow or penitence through fasting inappropriate at that moment. The verse also highlights the eschatological dimension of Jesus' ministry: the present joy is a foretaste of future glory, but also a prelude to suffering and loss. The disciples' current state is one of celebration, but a future period of mourning is inevitable.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this verse underscores the profound joy and liberation that comes with Christ's presence in their lives. It teaches that spiritual disciplines should flow from our relationship with God, not be mere ritualistic performances. When Christ is present in our lives through the Holy Spirit, there is a natural inclination towards rejoicing. However, the verse also serves as a reminder that the Christian life is not without its trials and sorrows. In times of grief, spiritual struggle, or repentance, fasting remains a valid and potentially powerful spiritual discipline, but its efficacy is understood within the framework of Christ's completed work and the ongoing work of the Spirit.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is deeply connected to the messianic prophecies and the concept of the Kingdom of God. Jesus, the bridegroom, is the fulfillment of Old Testament expectations. His presence signifies the arrival of the Messianic banquet, a time of joy and celebration. The imagery of a bridegroom and bride is also prevalent in the Old Testament, often used to describe God's covenant relationship with Israel (e.g., Isaiah 54:5, Jeremiah 2:2). Jesus is presenting himself as the one who consummates this covenant relationship, and his followers are the guests at this divine wedding feast. The anticipation of his departure and the subsequent fasting points towards the suffering servant prophecies and the redemptive work of the cross.

Analogies

The analogy of a wedding is particularly effective. Imagine a wedding feast where the couple is present; it is a time of unadulterated joy. Guests are not expected to be fasting or mourning. However, if a tragedy were to befall the couple or one of them were to be absent, then the atmosphere would understandably shift to one of sorrow. Similarly, Jesus' disciples are experiencing the joy of the bridegroom's presence. When he is taken away, the disciples will experience a period akin to mourning, and fasting would then be an appropriate response.

Relation to Other Verses

This teaching resonates with Jesus' discourse on new wine and old wineskins (Matthew 9:16-17), where he explains that his new teachings and the new covenant he brings cannot be contained within the old religious framework. Just as new wine bursts old wineskins, so too the newness of Jesus' presence requires a new approach to spiritual life, one that emphasizes joy and fulfillment in him, rather than solely outward ritual. It also foreshadows the post-resurrection and ascension period, where the disciples, though no longer having Jesus physically with them, would be empowered by the Holy Spirit and would continue to experience both joy and, at times, sorrow in their mission (Acts 13:2-3; 2 Corinthians 6:5). The promise of Jesus' return also offers a future hope that will ultimately usher in a perpetual state of joy, eclipsing any need for mourning or fasting in its present form.