New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 9:14

The Doctor for the Sick

Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?” Matthew 9:14 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 9:14, in plain English

John the Baptist's followers came and asked, 'We fast regularly, and so do the Pharisees. Why don't your disciples fast?'

Why it's here

They were genuinely confused: if Jesus was from God, why wasn't He following the expected religious practices?

Who's speaking

John's disciples, asking an honest question.

Where it sits in the story

This question opens the door for Jesus to explain that His arrival changes everything.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

John the Baptist's disciples ask Jesus why His disciples don't fast, contrasting their practice and the Pharisees' with the freedom of Jesus' followers.

Language and setting

Fasting was a mark of piety for both John's disciples and the Pharisees; the non-fasting of Jesus' disciples was conspicuous and controversial.

Voice

John's disciples, questioning Jesus about fasting.

Significance

This question allows Jesus to reveal a fundamental shift: something new is happening that doesn't fit the old patterns.

In context

Matthew 9:12–16

12On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

14Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

15Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

16No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. For the patch will pull away from the garment, and a worse tear will result.

Read all of Matthew 9 — Jesus eats with sinners, forgives the paralyzed, and raises the dead. The religious leaders are horrified; the broken are set free.

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