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Mark 1:18-22 - A question about fasting

The people of Israel continue to reject Jesus. They asked Him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"

Jesus gives 2 answers.

First, He announces His identity to the people - as the "bridegroom" - the Chosen One of Israel. He is the One that all mankind have been waiting for since Creation - as tradition prescribes, the wedding guests will not fast.

The Bible does not record down the people's reaction to Jesus' statement. However, it would be safe to assume that from the pattern that has been going on thus far in Mark, they would likely have accused Him of blasphemy again.

The next answer He gives is in the form of a parable. Basically the meaning of the parable is this - that what is new cannot be kept within the confines of what is old. It sums up most of Jesus' arguments in this section of Mark - that He is the new law, and they cannot judge Him by the old law because He is the completion and perfection of the law.

Needless to say, I would again assume that they would have wanted to murder Him on the spot. Truth be told, if I placed myself in their position, I may have felt the same. On our side of the cross, we clearly see evidences for Jesus as God. On the other side, all they saw was a carpenter's son claiming to be God Himself.

How do we recognise what is good?

Thoughts to be answered tomorrow...
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