The Bridegroom, Fasting, New Cloth, and New Wine

People ask why John’s disciples and the Pharisees fast while Jesus’ disciples do not. Jesus answers by describing himself as the bridegroom: wedding guests do not fast while the bridegroom is with them, though days will come when he is taken away. He then adds images of an unshrunk patch and new wine that requires fresh wineskins.

Where this fits in the story: Scripture often uses marriage language for God’s covenant relationship with his people. Mark does not stop to explain every implication, but Jesus’ bridegroom image places his presence at the center of the appropriate response to God’s saving work. The phrase about the bridegroom being “taken away” also introduces a shadow of coming loss.