– The previous passage is about eating with the tax collectors and sinners. The main challengers are the Pharisees.
– This passage is about fasting but really about keeping tradition. The main challengers are the disciples of John. In other passages the Pharisees are involved. It is likely that the Pharisees incited the disciples of John.
– If they were truly John’s disciples, they might have practiced a very strict ascetic lifestyle.
– Jesus gives three illustrations to answer the question.
– First is that the wedding feast guests cannot be expected to fast when the bridegroom is already with them. The wedding feasts at that time depended on the arrival of the bridegroom.
– Second is a New patch on an old garment. The new patch would most definitely tear the old garment.
– New wine cannot be containing in old wine skins, they would tear.
– Fasting was used to humble oneself before God in times of repentance. The Pharisees used it as a symbol of religious devotion. No doubt, John’s disciples also viewed it this way.
– Jesus’ presence with the disciples is the reason they do not fast. People fast so that they may seek God, but when the messiah is among them, why do they need to fast?
– This was one of the clearest allusion to Jesus Messiahship. He is God and so why would the disciples mourn to seek him while he was there with them?
– He also challenges the thinking of the Pharisees with their rituals and sacrifices and wanting to look religious. He say that old way cannot be linked to the new way.