What Jesus Did! 'Everything Has Its Time' — Mark 2:19-20

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

[When asked why his disciples didn't fast,] Jesus replied, "Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can't fast while the groom is with them. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast."
— Mark 2:19-20 NLT

Key Thought

The reason Jesus' disciples didn't fast was involved with the timing of his ministry, not their piety. They would fast when he was taken from them. Jesus' statement about being taken away is the first hint in Mark that he would face a painful ending to his life. While he was present with them physically, however, they would not fast. Instead, they would enjoy his presence and celebrate his love.

Today's Prayer

Father, help me know the proper time for each of my spiritual activities — feasting and fasting, rejoicing and weeping, comforting and being comforted, celebrating and repenting contritely. This I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
  • Ephesians 5:15-17
  • Matthew 6:16-18

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 2:19-20 NLT — "Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can't fast while the groom is with them. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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