Scripture to Read: Luke 5:33–35
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day hated Him and sought every opportunity to accuse Him of breaking God’s commandments. The problem was that they had no idea they were accusing the very God who gave those commandments. God had Luke record in Luke 5:33–35, “And they said to Him, ‘The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers, the disciples of the Pharisees also do the same, but Yours eat and drink.’ 34 And Jesus said to them, ‘You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? 35 But the days will come; and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.’” Jesus knew He would only be on earth for a short time. Jesus wanted the religious leaders to know that He is the head of His church; therefore, He is the bridegroom (Ephesians 5:25–27) and His followers are His bride. In Jesus’ day, a wedding feast was the most beautiful picture of joy and happiness. During the weeklong wedding feast, everyone knew that joy was more important than following religious rituals. If any ceremonial observance took away from the joy of the wedding feast, it was not required. Jesus said that His followers were to have this kind of joy and happiness. Jesus also knew that His time on earth would come to a close because He would be “taken away” by laying down His life for His bride. We know our Lord will one day return for His bride (the church) and we look forward to that day.
Challenge & Application
We can live with the joy of Christ in us and the knowledge that we’ll be with Him one day; so, how are you walking in that joy daily?
How do you practice fasting and praying knowing that our Lord will return for His bride?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!