THE QUESTION OF FASTING
The Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptists were fasting. They had the tradition of fasting twice a week even though the Mosaic Law prescribed only one fast on the Day of Atonement. (Leviticus 16 : 29,31) So people asked Jesus why His disciples were not fasting. He gave the answers in three short parables.
THE WEDDING FEAST
Fasting during the wedding feast is pointless. Jesus is the bridegroom. While He is present in the world, its a time of celebration. Jesus said that He came to fulfil the law. (Matthew 5:17) To continue fasting with Jesus is like mourning in the wedding celebration.
The wedding day suggested that as long as Christ was with them, there was too much of joy for fasting.
THE NEW CLOTH PATCHED WITH OLD
The new cloth doesn’t work on old material. While washing, it shrinks and tears away from the old garment, making the tear worse. Pharisees thought the Laws of Moses would make them righteous and they need not believe that Jesus is the Messiah. But He has brought grace and faith in this world. The Pharisees patching up the New covenant truth into old Mosaic ceremonial forms has brought out worst consequences as we patch up the new cloth with old clothes.
NEW WINE IN OLD WINESKIN
Similarly, new wine needs a new wineskin because as the new wine expands during fermentation process, it stretches the wineskin. If the new wine is poured and kept in an old wineskin, it bursts under pressure. Keeping new wine in old wineskins is impossible.
Jesus meant that fasting or the rituals done by the Pharisees had no part with the gospel.
GRACE AND FAITH OF OUR SAVIOUR
We can not mix old religious rituals with the new faith in Jesus. Jesus is sent by God to fulfil the law. So Jesus’ disciples were under the covenant of grace and faith. But Pharisees were consumed with their own self – righteousness and they didn’t believe that Jesus is the Messiah.
LET’S PRAY……
Lord, Lets us guard our hearts and open our spiritual eyes and ears to the message of the Kingdom of God that Jesus is our Lord. Lord, make us an instrument of Your gospel. Amen.
Glory be to God
0
0
0
0
0
0