Definition: And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 2:18. It's a really interesting question that gets at a core idea about Jesus’ teachings. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is asking why Jesus didn’t force his followers to fast, when they were doing it before. Let’s unpack it: “And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast…” – This refers to two groups of people who were deeply religious and followed Jewish traditions very closely: The Disciples of John: This group was particularly devoted to studying the law and following strict rules. They believed that fasting was a way to connect with God and demonstrate their obedience. The Pharisees: These were leaders of the Jewish community, known for their meticulous study of the Law and their interpretation of it. They believed fasting was a powerful way to purify themselves and draw closer to God. “and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?” – This is the core of the question. Two groups of people are discussing this very same thing. They’re asking Jesus: “Why are you doing what we aren't? You’re fasting, while we aren’t!” What does it mean? Jesus is essentially saying that he isn't requiring his followers to fast. He’s showing them a different way of approaching this important spiritual practice – one that emphasizes love and compassion over strict adherence to rules. Here’s the key takeaway: Jesus is teaching a message about love and humility. He's highlighting that true faith isn’t about following rules, but about showing love and kindness to others. He’s demonstrating that simply being kind and compassionate is more important than adhering to rigid traditions. It’s also a powerful illustration of Jesus’ teachings: Jesus often used parables – stories with moral lessons – to teach his followers. This verse reminds us that true discipleship isn't about blindly following rules, but about living a life of love and compassion. In short, the verse is asking: "Is it really important to follow rules, or is it more valuable to show kindness and love?" --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english/mark%202%3A18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english/mark%202%3A18) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Mark-2-verses-18-29.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Mark-2-verses-18-29.html) Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help answer? For example, would you like to know: What's the historical context of this passage? How does it relate to Jesus’ teachings on compassion?