Luke 5:33-39 – New Wine

God’s Word only commands a fast once a year before the Day of Atonement. Beyond that it is left to the individual to determine when to fast (or in some cases a national fast would be called for by the king). But in Jesus’ time the Pharisees have developed the practice of fasting twice a week as an outward sign of their holiness. John’s disciples might have been obeying the rules of the Pharisees in this, or they may perhaps have wanted to fast more often because of John’s preaching on sin and the need for repentance.

The point Jesus is making is that for His disciples this is not an appropriate time to fast. The long-awaited Messiah is in their midst, the Saviour of the world, their King and Redeemer is with them. This is a time of joy in what God is doing. Yes, there is a time to fast and be sorry for your sin, but there is also a time to rejoice in God’s grace and celebrate your salvation.

The Pharisees and even some of John’s disciples have become so caught up in the accepted way of doing things that they’ve stopped thinking. They are just going through the motions of serving God. It becomes just an outward show. They don’t stop to think about the reason why they are fasting. Or the fact that the forgiveness they have been fasting for is there on their doorstep in the person of Christ. Jesus tells the parable He does to drive home the point that the old ritual ways are ending. The man-made laws of the Pharisees teaching that you are saved by how holy you appear are to be thrown out. Ceremony for ceremonies sake is over. The new wine of salvation through God’s grace is to be drunk. Yet, even though the new ways are better Christ knows that many will refuse to change preferring to try to earn their salvation than praise God’s grace.

Questions
1. Why did the Pharisees fast?
2. Why was it the wrong time for fasting?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for Christians being persecuted in other countries.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.