Mark 2: 18-22   Mark is taking us through a series of discussions that Jesus had with the scribes/Pharisees.  The next question that they brought to Jesus was about fasting.. " And John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came to Him saying, ' Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisee's fast, but Your disciples do not fast?' " 

Jesus and His disciples were feasting.. with Matthew and his friends.. while others who followed the Jewish leaders were fasting.  This is quite a contrast.  The Jewish fast was not one that was commanded as it would be on the Day of Atonement.  It was a volunteer fast to show their piety. (According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary.)  A fast like this should have expressed sorrow and mourning over sin.. a time of repentance and calling on the Lord.   Jesus told them that this was not a time for fasting.. because "the bridegroom is with them.. "  It was a time of joy and celebration!  Therefore they "cannot fast." 

Later, Jesus tells them, when He is "taken away".. they will fast.  It will be a time of sorrow and seeking. 

Jesus explains that something new is happening in the spiritual realm.. He came to bring  new life.. new "wine".. a new way.. and the old way could not contain it all. "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment.. no one puts new wine into old wineskins.."  

In Mark's snapshot we see Jesus as a Bridegroom. He was defining a new relationship between God and mankind. It would be marked with joy and celebration.. and with sorrow and sacrifice.  His relationship with His people would be new and living.. no longer depending on the Law.. nor on traditions or habits or man-made practices.  

Jesus is with us in this same way.  The Bridegroom is coming back again to claim His bride for ever.  The church will rejoice forever in His Presence.  Meanwhile, we may experience some sorrow along with our great joys.. but He has not forgotten us and will never forsake us.  Hallelujah what a Savior!

Father in heaven, we do rejoice in the goodness You have shown to us, giving us such a Savior.  We praise You ... Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Prepare us.. complete Your work in us.. that we will be ready for that great day when our Bridegroom comes to claim His bride!  We ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.