Mark 2:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Firstly, it is essential to differentiate between the states of these various disciples; secondly, it is vital to comprehend how this requirement aligns with the broader principles of My teachings—Fasting symbolizes mourning; in times of sorrow, food loses its appeal; its origin lies in the lament for the loss of something meaningful. My disciples find no cause for sorrow while I am with them, just as the friends of the bridegroom have no reason to mourn while the bridegroom is present. The disciples of John, however, have grounds to fast now since their bridegroom is absent (he is imprisoned). The Pharisees, who wished to remain neutral between John and Jesus, find continual cause for fasting, even if such practices lack the divine significance they ascribe to them. A different era will come for My disciples. Yet when the time of tribulation arrives, even then this observance must harmonize with other external practices and new internal transformations. Following the example of John's disciples would be akin to patching an old garment with new cloth, ultimately exacerbating its fragility. Likewise, imitating the Pharisees by clinging to all traditional rituals would be like placing new wine into old wineskins, resulting in the loss of both the wine and the skins. Therefore, each situation has its proper time and measure. Consequently, the Pharisees' directives, which sought to impose their rules upon Jesus, were repudiated here, leading to a more profound understanding for the Lord's disciples regarding their relationships with both the Pharisees and the followers of John, from whom some originated. From that moment onward, the scribes and Pharisees recognized that the Lord had no intention of conforming to their opinions or regulations, as He sought to operate with complete autonomy.

The appointed time for sorrow and fasting has not yet arrived; however, there will come days when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast during those times.” Through these words, Jesus was indicating to His disciples that His physical presence would not last forever, that He would be forcibly removed from them for a time, leading to a period of trials, sorrow, and fasting; yet they did not grasp the meaning behind His statement.