Mark 2:18 - John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don’t fast?”
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What does "Mark 2:18" mean?
This verse from Mark 2:18 sets the stage for a discussion about the nature of Jesus' ministry and its relationship to traditional religious practices. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: John's Disciples and the Pharisees: Both John the Baptist's followers and the Pharisees practiced fasting as a sign of piety, repentance, and mourning. Fasting was a common religious observance in Judaism.
The Question: The fact that both groups were observing fasting together highlights that they are coming together to question Jesus. Their question reveals a concern or criticism: "Why don't Jesus' disciples fast?" They notice a difference in behavior between Jesus' followers and their own groups.
Implication: The question implies that Jesus' disciples are not adhering to the expected standards of religious devotion. Fasting was seen as a virtuous practice, and the absence of it among Jesus' followers was seen as unusual or even unacceptable. It raises the question of whether Jesus is undermining traditional religious observances.
In Summary: This verse isn't just about fasting; it's about:
Contrasting Approaches to Religion: The verse highlights the difference between Jesus' approach to faith and the more traditional, rule-based approach of the Pharisees and John's disciples.
The Newness of Jesus' Ministry: The question hints at the novelty of Jesus' ministry and its potential conflict with established religious practices.
Authority and Interpretation: It raises the question of who has the authority to define religious practices and interpret their meaning. Jesus' response, which follows this verse, further clarifies his perspective on this issue.
Preparation for Jesus' Response: It sets up Jesus to address why he and his disciples aren't fasting. Jesus goes on to compare himself to a bridegroom at a wedding, indicating that this is a time for celebration, not mourning or fasting.
The verse is a prelude to a deeper conversation about the nature of Jesus' ministry, the arrival of a new era, and the relationship between tradition and innovation.
Mark 2:18 - John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don’t fast?”
What does "Mark 2:18" mean?
This verse from Mark 2:18 sets the stage for a discussion about the nature of Jesus' ministry and its relationship to traditional religious practices. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: John's Disciples and the Pharisees: Both John the Baptist's followers and the Pharisees practiced fasting as a sign of piety, repentance, and mourning. Fasting was a common religious observance in Judaism.
The Question: The fact that both groups were observing fasting together highlights that they are coming together to question Jesus. Their question reveals a concern or criticism: "Why don't Jesus' disciples fast?" They notice a difference in behavior between Jesus' followers and their own groups.
Implication: The question implies that Jesus' disciples are not adhering to the expected standards of religious devotion. Fasting was seen as a virtuous practice, and the absence of it among Jesus' followers was seen as unusual or even unacceptable. It raises the question of whether Jesus is undermining traditional religious observances.
In Summary: This verse isn't just about fasting; it's about:
Contrasting Approaches to Religion: The verse highlights the difference between Jesus' approach to faith and the more traditional, rule-based approach of the Pharisees and John's disciples.
The Newness of Jesus' Ministry: The question hints at the novelty of Jesus' ministry and its potential conflict with established religious practices.
Authority and Interpretation: It raises the question of who has the authority to define religious practices and interpret their meaning. Jesus' response, which follows this verse, further clarifies his perspective on this issue.
Preparation for Jesus' Response: It sets up Jesus to address why he and his disciples aren't fasting. Jesus goes on to compare himself to a bridegroom at a wedding, indicating that this is a time for celebration, not mourning or fasting.
The verse is a prelude to a deeper conversation about the nature of Jesus' ministry, the arrival of a new era, and the relationship between tradition and innovation.