Luke 5:35

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

Luke 5:35 (KJV)

Context

Jesus speaks these words in response to a question about fasting raised by the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist (Luke 5:33). The setting is a banquet at Levi’s house, where Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:27-32). By using the image of a bridegroom, Jesus explains that His disciples cannot fast while He is with them, for His presence is a time of joy and celebration.

Meaning

In Luke 5:35, Jesus looks ahead to a time when the bridegroom will be “taken away” from His disciples. This phrase directly foreshadows His crucifixion and death. The disciples’ fasting in those days is not a ritual obligation but a natural expression of grief and longing for their absent Lord. Fasting here signifies mourning, repentance, and spiritual preparation, just as the absence of a bridegroom would bring sorrow to a wedding party.

Biblical connections

The same teaching appears in Matthew 9:15 and Mark 2:20, where Jesus uses the identical imagery of the bridegroom to explain the appropriateness of fasting. The metaphor of the bridegroom also connects to the New Testament theme of the Church as the bride of Christ, though the immediate focus is on the time of Jesus’ earthly absence. This verse marks a transition from the Old Covenant, where fasting accompanied mourning and seeking God’s favor, to the New Covenant, where rejoicing in the Messiah’s presence gives way to fasting as His disciples await the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the Church.

Application

This verse teaches believers to recognize the seasons of joy and sorrow in their walk with Christ. It reminds us to anticipate Christ’s return, to mourn His absence in times of hardship, and to seek Him through fasting, prayer, and repentance. Even when we cannot physically see or experience His presence, we are called to trust in God’s plan and hold onto the hope of His promised return.

Reflection

Luke 5:35 calls us to examine our own response to Christ’s presence and absence. Do we rejoice in His presence with the same joy as wedding guests? Do we mourn His absence with sincere fasting and prayer? The verse assures us that fasting is not an empty ritual but a heartfelt response to our spiritual condition, drawing us closer to the Bridegroom who will one day return for His bride.