Matthew 9:15

“And Jesus said unto them, etc.] To the disciples of John, the Pharisees being present, who both have here a full answer; though it seems to be especially directed to the former: can the children of the bride chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom, is with them? By the “bridegroom” Christ means himself, who stands in such a relation to his church, and to all, believers; whom he secretly betrothed to himself from all eternity, in the covenant of grace; and openly espouses in the effectual calling; and will still do it in a more public manner at the last day John, the master of those men, who put the question to Christ, had acknowledged him under this character, (<430329>John 3:29) and…”

“Then came the disciples of John ... - This narrative is found also in Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39. The reference here is to John the Baptist. It is probable that they had understood that John was the forerunner of the Messiah; and if such was the case, they could not account for the fact that there was such a difference between them and the disciples of Jesus. The Pharisees fasted often - regularly twice a week besides the great national days of fasting, Luke 18:12. See the notes at Matthew 6:16-18. This was the established custom of the land, and John did not feel himself authorized to make so great a change as to dispense with it. They were desirous of knowing, therefore, why Jesus had done…”

“The children of the bride chamber - The companions of the bridegroom. Mourn - Mourning and fasting usually go together. As if he had said, While I am with them, it is a festival time, a season of rejoicing, not mourning. But after I am gone, all my disciples likewise shall be in fastings often. Matthew 9:16”

“9:15 wedding guests . . . groom: John the Baptist had also described the Messiah and his disciples in this way (John 3:29), drawing on Old Testament imagery to reveal Jesus’ status (see Matt 25:1-13; Isa 54:5-6). • taken away: This is Jesus’ first prediction of his violent death (see Matt 16:21; 17:12, 22-23; 20:18-19; 26:2, 26-35; Isa 53:8). • then they will fast: Jesus may be referring to the disciples’ sorrow immediately after his crucifixion, or to the disciples’ lifestyle after his death and resurrection (see Acts 9:9; 13:2-3; 14:23; 27:9, 33).”

“Can: Mat 25:1-10; Jdg 14:11-20; Psa 45:14, Psa 45:15; Joh 3:29; Rev 19:9, Rev 21:2 when: Luk 24:13-21; Joh 16:6, Joh 16:20-22; Act 1:9, Act 1:10 and then: Isa 22:12; Act 13:1-3, Act 14:23; Co1 7:5; Co2 11:27 Matthew 9:16”