24th February 2012 Matthew 9:14-15

Jesus Questioned About Fasting
Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”  Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

So fasting is a form of mourning, that's what I'm reading. But there's more to this. I don't think I've ever really noticed before that this is John's disciples asking the question, normally it's Jewish leaders. I didn't really realise John had disciples, how did I miss that? Strange what you hear at different times.

So what is this saying for us today? There's something about fasting as a way of marking the memory of Jesus; it's making space in ourselves to focus on Jesus. But of course fasting is not just food, it can be anything that makes space in our lives for more time with Jesus.

Jesus we remember you with thankfulness and we make time for you in our lives to speak to us and lead us. Amen