by:
05/27/2025
0
“Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” (v18). The religious leaders wanted to see Jesus as just another good Rabbi who taught his disciples to be righteous. But Jesus was the Messiah, the fulfiller of Israel’s hopes, not another teacher emphasizing cultural traditions. Time with him was celebration, although suffering was coming (v19-20). The Messiah King had the right to interpret and re-orient all of life, including settled traditions like fasting and Sabbath (23-28).
“But new wine is for fresh wineskins” (v22). Jesus’ kingdom is always “new wine” (v19-22). He calls us to lay aside old, brittle patterns so we can receive His ways, His words, His Spirit.