5:33 {6} And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise [the disciples] of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
(6) Hypocrites and ignorant men make a point of making fasting and unimportant things a matter of holiness.
5:33 Why do the disciples of John fast? Intended as a rebuke for their attendance at a great feast. Jesus shows that fasting ought not to be form, but to have a meaning.
5:33 Make prayers - Long and solemn. Mt 9:14; Mr 2:18.
5:27-39 It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his disciples. It was a wonder of his grace, that he fixed the services of his disciples according to their strength and standing. The Lord trains up his people gradually for the trials allotted them; we should copy his example in dealing with the weak in faith, or the tempted believer.
