Feast Forever

Mark 2:18-20 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” 19 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. 20 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.”
 
HERE is another confrontation with the Pharisees between God’s Word and the Pharisees’ laws. We have just read of Jesus attending a feast at Levi’s home. It is likely that these accusations against our Lord occurred at the same time. Jesus and his disciples were feasting. John the Baptist’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting.
   The reason for the fast was not from God’s law. Our LORD commanded a fast only on the Day of Atonement. But the Pharisees rules required fasting on Monday’s and Thursday’s. They were intent on shaming Jesus into an unnecessary act of penitence. He had no need to fast. And if he did, he would follow his own teachings on fasting: Matthew 6:16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” In their accusations the Pharisees proved themselves guilty of transgressions against God’s law. Self-righteousness will do that. Be very careful how you assess others. Perhaps you need to be more concerned about your own actions.
   He rebuked the Pharisees with his reference to the bridegroom. “But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.”  With these words Jesus prophesied his death, and pointed to his divine nature. He aligned himself with the bridegroom in the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-10) to point to his return as Judge and Redeemer.
   Jesus wanted his disciples need to “feast” on him as much as possible while he was with them. He is preparing them to change the world with the gospel. Jesus’ time on earth was the time for consuming all of Jesus’ teaching. The disciples must be well fed with the Bread of Life and Living Water, so they can do what he will command them to do.
   On the night before his crucifixion during the Feast of the Unleavened Bread (Passover), Jesus commanded his disciples, “Take eat, this is my body broken for you” (1 Corinthians 11:25) Jesus gave his disciples no options. He commanded them to completely consume his redemptive power. They needed all of Jesus, so they could fully feed the world with his resurrection power.
   A joyful feast is God’s promise to you when you join with the Bridegroom. Spend time in the Bible and be filled with the Lord’s nourishing truth. He has set the table of redemption before you. Live each day in the feast of your redeemed life. Taste that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:3)
 
Pause and consider the bridegroom has invited you to feast with him forever. Is there any reason you will not accept his invitation?