Luke 5:35 – “But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus acknowledges that the time of joy His disciples are currently experiencing won’t last forever. He compares Himself to a bridegroom at a wedding feast, but He says that a time is coming when the bridegroom will be taken away, and then His followers will fast. The phrase “taken from them” is a reference to His future death, a time when His disciples will experience grief and mourning.

While Jesus’ presence on earth was a time for celebration, He is preparing His disciples for the reality of His departure. After He is crucified, they will no longer have the same immediate access to Him, and their fasting will reflect their longing and dependence on God during that time. However, this period of fasting and sorrow is not permanent—it anticipates the hope of resurrection and the eventual return of Christ.

Historical Context

In Jewish culture, fasting was often tied to mourning, repentance, and seeking God’s guidance during difficult times. The Pharisees and other religious groups viewed fasting as a key part of spiritual devotion. The idea of fasting after the departure of the bridegroom would have resonated with Jesus’ audience because it signified a shift from celebration to sorrow.

The reference to a “bridegroom” draws on Old Testament imagery where God is described as the bridegroom of His people (Isaiah 62:5; Hosea 2:19-20). By identifying Himself as the bridegroom, Jesus is making a bold statement about His role as the one who fulfills God’s promises of salvation. But unlike traditional weddings, where the bridegroom is not taken away suddenly, Jesus is hinting at the suffering and separation His disciples will soon face.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals several important theological truths:

1. The cross is central to Jesus’ mission. Jesus is already pointing to His death, showing that His suffering is not an accident but an essential part of God’s plan for salvation.
2. Grief and longing are part of the Christian journey. Just as the disciples would fast and mourn after Jesus’ death, Christians today experience seasons of longing and spiritual hunger as they await His return.
3. Fasting reflects dependence and hope. The purpose of fasting isn’t just sorrow—it’s a way to express dependence on God and a longing for His presence. For the disciples, fasting after Jesus’ departure would be an act of seeking comfort, guidance, and the hope of restoration.

This verse reminds us that even in seasons of spiritual longing or grief, our hope is in the fact that Jesus’ absence is temporary.

Literary Analysis

Luke presents this verse as part of Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ questions about why His disciples don’t fast. The contrast between the current celebration and the future time of fasting highlights the tension in Jesus’ ministry—His presence is both a fulfillment of God’s promises and a preparation for the suffering to come.

The phrase “the bridegroom will be taken from them” is central to the passage, as it foreshadows the crucifixion. The suddenness of the bridegroom’s departure reflects the unexpected nature of Jesus’ death and the deep sorrow it will bring. However, the statement also carries a note of hope—just as weddings don’t last forever, neither does mourning. The disciples’ fasting will eventually give way to joy again.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 9:15 – The parallel account where Jesus says that the bridegroom’s departure will be the time for fasting.
• Isaiah 53:8 – “By oppression and judgment he was taken away,” a prophecy about the suffering of the Messiah, reflecting the idea of Jesus being “taken” from His followers.
• John 16:20-22 – Jesus tells His disciples that they will mourn for a time, but their grief will turn to joy when they see Him again.
• Acts 13:2-3 – Early Christians practiced fasting as a way to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, showing that fasting became a key part of their spiritual life after Jesus’ ascension.
• Revelation 19:7 – “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come,” pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of the bridegroom imagery at Christ’s return.

These cross-references highlight both the sorrow of Jesus’ departure and the joy of His promised return.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that we live in the “in-between” time—after Jesus’ death and resurrection, but before His return. Like the disciples after His crucifixion, we experience seasons of longing and spiritual hunger. Fasting, prayer, and seeking God are ways we express our dependence on Him and our hope for the day when Jesus will return and make all things new.

This verse also encourages us to view grief and sorrow as temporary. Just as the disciples’ mourning ended with the resurrection, our spiritual struggles are not permanent. We can hold on to the promise that Jesus is with us through the Holy Spirit, and one day, we will experience the fullness of His presence.

Additionally, this verse reminds us that spiritual disciplines like fasting are not about earning God’s favor—they are about aligning our hearts with His and expressing our longing for Him. Fasting can be a powerful way to refocus on God, seek His guidance, and remember His promises.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His presence during both times of joy and times of sorrow. The fact that Jesus acknowledges the coming grief of His disciples shows His compassion—He knows what they will face and is preparing them for it. But His love doesn’t leave them in that place of mourning. Through His resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit, God provides comfort, guidance, and hope.

God’s love is also evident in the promise that mourning will not last forever. Just as a wedding celebration is followed by everyday life, the period of fasting and longing will give way to eternal joy when Christ returns. His love sustains us through every season.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is directly connected to Jesus’ identity as the bridegroom who brings joy and salvation. His death is the event that “takes Him away” temporarily, but it is also the event that secures eternal life for His followers. His departure is not the end of the story—it is the means by which God accomplishes His plan of redemption.

The bridegroom imagery also points to the future. Jesus’ resurrection and ascension mark the beginning of the church’s mission, but His return will be the ultimate fulfillment of the wedding imagery, when believers will celebrate the “wedding supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:7).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the idea of Jesus as the bridegroom bring you comfort during times of spiritual longing or struggle?
2. What role does fasting play in your spiritual life, and how can it help you draw closer to God?
3. How can you find hope and joy even when you experience seasons of grief or spiritual dryness?
4. What does this verse teach you about the balance between joy and sorrow in the Christian life?
5. How can you stay focused on the promise of Jesus’ return during the “in-between” seasons of life?

This verse reminds us that while we may experience seasons of sorrow and longing, our hope is secure in the promise of Christ’s return. Just as the disciples’ fasting gave way to joy after the resurrection, our spiritual struggles will one day be replaced by the eternal joy of being in the presence of our Savior. Until then, we can fast, pray, and seek God, knowing that He is faithful to sustain us through every season of life.