Jesus comes into conflict with the custodians of the established religion: Judaism. The Pharisees fasted twice a week; which is more than what the law required. Jesus and his disciples did not fast at all. The Pharisees and their followers found this scandalous. Jesus was a non-conformist. There is a radical newness of the message he has come to bring and this totally contradicts the behaviousr of the Jews. The newness that Jesus brings is uniquely different and qualitatively new! Jesus is not a slave to antiquated ways that have crept into religious worship; he is not bound to traditions and rules that are outdated.

The disciples in the company of Jesus have entered the messianic era! Their joy in the presence of the Bride-groom, Jesus, is characteristic of the newness of the Kingdom Jesus has inaugurated!

Jesus wants to free us all from becoming slavishly obedient to laws that have been transcended by the fullness and newness of God's love. Fasting is a noble act, a subline form of prayer; but if it is done only as a sort of achievement to be proud of there is no value in it. In freeing religion of its constrictions, Jesus meets with rejection which would finally lead him to the cross. He has come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it