Why weren’t Jesus’ disciples fasting?
In Gospel of Matthew 9, Jesus is asked a question that goes far deeper than food. At stake is what counts as righteousness—and whether the spiritual life is defined by religious performance or covenant relationship.
When Jesus calls Himself the Bridegroom, He makes a stunning claim: His presence inaugurates a new era marked by joy, not mere mourning. Through the images of new cloth and new wine, He teaches that grace cannot simply be added onto a system of self-effort. The kingdom He brings isn’t about patching up the old you—it’s about becoming new.
In this episode, we talk about the true purpose of fasting, the danger of empty religion, and how spiritual disciplines are meant to flow from a transformed heart. If you’ve ever felt stuck striving to earn God’s approval, this conversation is an invitation to live from the joy and freedom of the new covenant.