The Bridegroom Has Come—Stop Fasting | Mark 2:18-20

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in the Gospel of Mark. Visit the website and purchase the Scripture Journal for this study so that you can follow along with us.

Today, we’re looking at Mark 2:18-20:

Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. — Mark 2:18-20

People didn’t know what to do with Jesus.

He wasn’t following their religious routines. He wasn’t fasting like the Pharisees or even like John’s disciples. To the watching crowd, it seemed like Jesus was breaking the rules.

But Jesus wasn’t breaking rules or ignoring tradition—he was living by God's rule while fulfilling God's plan. In a way, this appeared new to many onlookers. But it wasn't new. It was just lived out completely and perfectly, and not in the way people expected.

Then he answered their question using an image they would understand: a wedding feast. No one fasts when the groom is standing in the room. You celebrate. You feast. You enjoy the moment.

Jesus was showing them something revolutionary:

The Bridegroom was here.
The celebration had started.
The feast had begun.
There would be a time for fasting again, but that time wasn't now.
Right now, they were standing in the presence of God made flesh—and that demanded a response of joy.

Jesus showed us a better way. No rituals. No checklists. Just joy.

Because the bridegroom was here and rose again. Feast. Laugh. Worship. Live every moment in the celebration of his presence. Let that joy fuel your day—and everything you share with others.

#BridegroomHere, #FeastNotFast, #Mark2

ASK THIS:
How might I shift from religious routine to genuine joy in Jesus today?
What “feast” can I create to celebrate Christ’s presence in my life?
When have I mistaken rituals for relationship in my faith journey?
How will I prepare my heart to fast when the bridegroom is away?
DO THIS:
Today, choose joy over obligation—celebrate Jesus’ presence with a smile, song, or shared meal.

PRAY THIS:
Jesus, I rejoice in your presence as my bridegroom and find freedom in celebrating you. Help me feast on your grace today. Amen

PLAY THIS:
House of the Lord.