Epiphany Season · Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year B
Mark 2:18-22
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
February 28, 2027
Overview & Insights
“No one puts new wine into old wineskins.” (Mark 2:22)
The opposition to Jesus intensifies with each of the episodes in this section. The central story among the five in 2:1–3:6 tells why the conflict is occurring (2:18–22): in Jesus a new era has arrived, one in which he must challenge the old traditions. Those who cling to the old (symbolized by the issue of fasting) have been superseded, and this new kingdom reality cannot be subsumed under the old ways. This then leads to the final two episodes, which are controversies over Sabbath observance (the first two, 2:1–12, 13–17, center on forgiveness of sins and acceptance into the new community).
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Commentary
Mark 2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on the question about fasting and Jesus' sayings on new cloth and new wineskins.
Mark 2:18 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic and modern commentators (Matthew Henry, Barnes, Gill, and more) gathered on Mark 2:18.
Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B (Sunday Connection) Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic Sunday Connection with background and family activities on fasting and the joy of the bridegroom.
The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Brant Pitre reads Hosea 2, Psalm 103, and Mark 2 together on Jesus the bridegroom and the new covenant (Catholic).
Mark Commentaries Precept Austin
Verse-by-verse study library with word studies and cross-references on the Gospel of Mark.
New Wine and New Wineskins Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Bishop Barron preaches on the new wine of the gospel and the wineskins that must stretch to hold it (Catholic).
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: Mark Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary introduction to the Gospel of Mark, its pace, and its portrait of Jesus.
Book of Mark Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of Mark's fast-moving account of Jesus the servant king.
Mark 2:18 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word-by-word text of Mark 2:18 with parsing and Strong's numbers.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is Jesus saying about fasting?
While the bridegroom is with them the guests do not fast; Jesus brings something so new that it cannot be poured into the old forms, like new wine bursting old skins.
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