Matthew 9:15

Jesus responded with three illustrations. John the Baptist had described himself as the "best man" and Jesus as the "bridegroom" (John 3:29). Jesus extended John’s figure and described His disciples as the friends of the groom. They were so joyful that they could not fast because they were with Him. [Note: See Richard D. Patterson, "Metaphors of Marriage as Expressions of Divine-Human Relations," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 51:4 (December 2008):689-702.]

The Old Testament used the groom figure to describe God (Psalms 45; Isaiah 54:5-6; Isaiah 62:4-5; Hosea 2:16-20). The Jews also used it of Messiah’s coming and the messianic banquet (Matthew 22:2; Matthew 25:1; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7; Revelation 19:9; Revelation 21:2). When Jesus applied this figure to Himself, He was claiming to be the Messiah, and He was claiming that the kingdom banquet was imminent.

"As the Physician, He came to bring spiritual health to sick sinners. As the Bridegroom, He came to give spiritual joy." [Note: Wiersbe, 1:35.]

When Jesus returned to heaven following His ascension, His friends did indeed fast (Acts 13:3; Acts 14:23; Acts 27:9). This is the first hint that Jesus would be "taken away" (a violent and unwanted removal) from His disciples, but that theme will become more dominant soon (cf. Matthew 16:21).