Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
What does Matthew 9:14 mean?
John was at this time in prison; his circumstances, his character, and the nature of the message he was sent to deliver, led those who were peculiarly attached to him, to keep frequent fasts.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Matthew 9:14-17 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Matthew 9:14
- This narrative is found also in Mark 2:18-22 ; Luke 5:33-39 . The reference here is to John the Baptist. It is probable that they had understood that John was the forerunner of the Messiah; and if such was the case, they could not account for the fact that there was such a difference between them and the disciples of Jesus. The Pharisees fasted often - regularly twice a week besides the great national days of fasting, Luke 18:12 . See the notes at Matthew 6:16-18 . This was the established custom of the land, and John did not feel himself authorized to make so great a change as to dispense with it.
Key words
- John
-
Of John the Baptist, to whom they had addicted themselves, and by whom they abode: though their master was in prison, and the Messiah was known to be come, yet still they were attached to John, and particularly imitated him in the austerities of his life.
Context in Matthew 9
Show chapter context
Matthew 9 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as ministry and teaching blocks. Matthew presents Jesus as Davidic Messiah, new Moses, teacher of the kingdom, suffering Son of Man, and risen Lord who commissions the nations. Read this chapter with the wider themes of fulfillment, kingdom of heaven, and discipleship in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
Passages on the nature of truth, honesty, deception, the word of God as truth, and Jesus' claim to be the truth.
Glossary
- John Person
-
(1. ) One who, with Annas and Caiaphas, sat in judgment on the apostles Peter and John ( Acts 4:6 ). He was of the kindred of the high priest; otherwise unknown. (2. ) The Hebrew name of Mark (q. v. ).