In this episode, people once again come at Jesus sideways, so He has to set them straight.
When someone asks Him why His disciples do not fast, Jesus essentially says: This ain’t a wake; it’s a wedding! How can the groomsmen fast when the bridegroom is here?
When Jesus claims to be the bridegroom, He is using a metaphor found throughout Scripture – a metaphor that is loaded with meaning (cf. Hos 2:14-20; Is 54:4-8; Is 61:10, 62:5; Eph 5:25f.; 2 Cor 11:2; Jn 3:28-30).
In spite of the spiritual adultery (Jer 3:1, 6-10; Eze 16:6-25) of His people (His bride (Jer 2:2, 3:1f.!), through His prophets, the LORD foretold that He would be a Husband to His bride once again (Jer 3:11-14 and passages in paragraph above)– and institute a new marital covenant.
I argue that when Jesus claims to be the bridegroom (Mk 2:19), He is claiming to be the One who will bring about that new covenant in His blood (cf. Ex 24:8; Jer 31:31-34; 1 Cor 11:25). He is the One who brings about a reconciled relationship between God and His people.
In light of this, His disciples shouldn’t be fasting, they should be feasting. For they are experiencing a foretaste of the everlasting wedding banquet between God and His people (cf. Mt 22:1-14; Mt 25:1-13; Rev 19:7, 9, 21:2, 9, 17).
So, Church, let’s not cheat on our Husband; let’s love the LORD with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength (cf. Dt 6:5; Mt 22:37-38). And, let’s be prepared for the final wedding banquet.
There’s a lot more we can say on this passage, so I hope to finish up Mark 2:18-22 next week (see Part II here). I’ll hope to discuss more about how Jesus uses even more metaphorical language to explain how He came not to merely reform, but to transform.
Bible Study Audio
To hear the audio from the study only, please click the play button below. To download the audio, please click the button on the left in the top-right corner.
Bible Study Video
To view the video of the study only, please click the play button below.
Live Stream Recording
To view the video from the entire live stream — including Praise & Worship, announcements, etc., please click the play button below:
Bible Study Slideshow
This slideshow is for both Part I and Part II of this lesson. These slides have been updated. To download this slideshow, please click –> Mark 2:18-22 Bible Study
Mark 2-18--22 Lesson 10-21-20 Not a Wake^J a Wedding
For more Bible Study lessons on Mark, please visit the Gospel of Mark Book Study Overview page.