Section 2: Part 7 Jesus is asked about fasting (Mk 2:18-22).

Welcome to my Gospel of Mark Series. During 2012-13, each week, I will write a post about the Gospel of Mark as I review and explore each of the 16 chapters and how it may be applied in our daily lives. My goal is to understand and pray the Gospel of Mark.  I hope you will join me on this journey as we travel through the liturgical season of Year B.  In today's post, we explore chapter 2:18-22 which is Jesus is asked about fasting.

The third conflict, which may at first look commonplace is the centrepiece of the five conflicts.  In the Hebrew way of organising a literary work, which Mark follows, the central passage is the focus where the most important teaching is placed.

Two stories of new teachings of Jesus are positioned on either side and ‘frame’’ this central story.  Also two emphatic references to Jesus as the mysterious Son of Man are equally placed on either side of this central episode (2:10 and 28)

The story begins when some people, neither Scribes nor Pharisees, so it seems, question Jesus about why and his disciples are not fasting.  Jesus replies that He is like a bridegroom among His disciples who will not be with them always in the way He is now.  Opposition to Jesus will lead eventually to His separation from the disciples by death.  Only then will the real newness of what He brings be revealed clearly to His disciples.

The Old Testament never describes the Messiah as a bridegroom.  For the prophets, the bridegroom of Israel is always God himself.  This is why what Jesus brings cannot be compared with what John or the Pharisees, or the Jewish religion, can offer.  Jesus, by His teachings and His actions, and  in His very person, brings to the world in a new and unique way the personal presence and action of God, the Spouse of Israel.  No wonder the people find the teaching of Jesus so new and His authority so different from that the the scribes.

This central teaching of Jesus is reinforced by two short parables, or comparisons, which end the episode.  Patching clothes with new, unshrunken cloth, or trying to put new wine into old, hardened wineskins is a waste.  The new power Jesus brings into the world cannot be quietly fitted into what the old religion gives.

In our journal and/or our discussion group we may wish to reflect on this passage as follows:

• Name the key points that you have learnt about the person of Jesus in this passage of scripture?
• Reflect on the keywords in this passage for they contain the substance and purpose of all the things Jesus said and did-
• Verify that this episode is the centrepiece of the five conflict stories and contains their central teaching.
• Reflect on the places in the bible where God is the bridegroom of Israel. ( Hosea 2:19-20) Isaiah 6:2-5, Jeremiah 2:2, Ezekiel 16:8).
• Consider ways that I may be trying to fit the new thing God is doing into narrow understandings of life or limited ways of living.
• Consider what changes we will make to be filled with faith in Jesus.
• Reflect on a time in our lives where we have felt confused by the teaching of Jesus.
• Imagine trying to patch clothes with  new unshrunken cloth. Then imagine trying to mend my soul.  Make a list of areas in my life that need a change of heart and develop an action plan on how this change of heart might occur. (eg name an area and name one/two changes that you will implement with God's help.
• What impact does Jesus’ teaching have on you (2:18-22). .
• How has this passage spoken to you- what does it say to you personally?

It is important to remember that St Mark wishes us to know the person of Jesus. 

What does this passage of scripture tell you about the person of Jesus?