Luke 5:33

“And they say unto him, etc.] The Scribes and Pharisees, or the disciples of John; (see <400914>Matthew 9:14) why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers? set times apart frequently for fasting and prayer. The Ethiopic version reads, “why do the disciples of John baptize frequently, fast, and make prayers?” in which the former clause is added; and as without any authority, so without judgment, since it must suppose that the Pharisees did so likewise, whereas they rejected the baptism of John; for it follows, and “likewise” the disciples of “the Pharisees”; who fasted often, at least twice in the week, and made frequent prayers in the synagogues, and corners of the streets, and…”

“See this passage illustrated in the notes at Matthew 9:14-17. Luke 5:39 Having drunk old wine ... - Wine increases its strength and flavor, and its mildness and mellowness, by age, and the old is therefore preferable. They who had tasted such mild and mellow wine would not readily drink the comparatively sour and astringent juice of the grape as it came from the press. The meaning of this proverb in this place seems to be this: You Pharisees wish to draw my disciples to the “austere” and “rigid” duties of the ceremonial law - to fasting and painful rites; but they have come under a milder system. They have tasted the gentle and tender blessings of the gospel; they have no “relish” for your…”

“Make prayers - Long and solemn. Mat 9:14; Mar 2:18. Luke 5:34”

“5:33 John the Baptist’s disciples: Most rabbis had students who learned from them and served them (see also Acts 19:1-7). • fast and pray regularly: Many pious Jews fasted two days a week (Luke 18:12). Fasting was associated with spiritual preparation (Esth 4:16) and repentance (2 Sam 12:22; Joel 1:14; Jon 3:5). Fasting is not a means of righteousness (Isa 58:4-5; Jer 14:12) but a spiritual discipline for cultivating intimacy with God. Fasting is often linked with prayer and spiritual retreat. • Why are your disciples always eating and drinking? The point was that they did not fast regularly.”

“Why: Luk 18:12; Isa 58:3-6; Zac 7:6; Mat 9:14-17; Mar 2:18-22 and make: Luk 11:1, Luk 20:47; Pro 28:9; Isa 1:15; Mat 6:5, Mat 6:6, Mat 23:14; Mar 12:40; Act 9:11; Rom 10:2, Rom 10:3 but: Luk 7:34, Luk 7:35 Luke 5:34”