Luke 5:33

And they said St Luke here omits the remarkable fact that the disciples of John, who still formed a distinct body, joined the Pharisees in asking this question. It is clear that they were sometimes actuated by a not unnatural human jealousy, from which their great teacher was wholly free (John 3:26), but which Jesus always treated with the utmost tenderness (Luke 7:24-28).

the disciples of John fast often They would naturally adopt the ascetic habits of the Baptist.

and make prayers Rather, supplications. Of course the disciples prayed, but perhaps they did not use so -much speaking" and connect their prayerswith fastings. The preservation of these words by St Luke alone, in spite of the emphasis which he lays on prayer, shews his perfect fidelity.

the disciples of the Pharisees Those who in Jewish writings are so often spoken of as the -pupils of the wise." See on Luke 18:12, "I fast twice in the week." Our Lord points out how much self-seeking and hypocrisy were mingled with their fasting, Matthew 6:16, and the prophets had forcibly taught the utter uselessness of an abstinence dissociated from goodness and charity (Isaiah 58:3-6; Micah 6:6-8; Amos 5:21-24).