Divine Dining February 28, 2026 Devotional

LUKE 5:34-35 | ³⁴ Jesus said to them, “You cannot make wedding attendants fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? ³⁵ The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.”

Jesus reframed the leaders harsh question about His tending to celebrate, and their implied challenge to His spiritual seriousness in these verses. No one in the first century, no matter how devout, ever turned down the opportunity to celebrate life, love, promises, and family at a wedding. Jewish weddings were week-long parties, genuine revelry with food, dancing, laughter, and joy. These celebrations had become a picture of life in God’s kingdom initiated by His Messiah.

Every devout Jew prayed for the arrival of the Messiah, for the coming of God’s kingdom to Israel. Since God was Israel’s “husband” in frequent Old Testament metaphor, and the nation His “bride,” the Messiah was naturally seen this way also. Jesus is saying that God is present, His kingdom is here, the Messiah/Bridegroom has come to initiate the long prayed for celebration. Jesus is no longer here in the flesh but present in the Spirit. So His followers who wait for the final coming of the kingdom but who live in that spirit must exercise discipline and celebrate with joy.

How sad the leaders missed the celebration. Pray for someone who isn’t yet party to the kingdom party.

Gracious God,

Thank You that we can celebrate Your kingdom presence and kingdom deeds of salvation. Give us the right balance between discipline and joy.

Amen.