The King’s Mission.
Matthew 9:14-17.
An important question from John the Baptist.
The Question: Matthew 9:14
“Why don’t your disciples fast?”
Pharisees had decreed fasting every Monday and Thursday, rather then the yearly fast at the Day of Atonement.
They made sure others knew they were fasting. Jesus said no, keep it secret.
The Answer: Matthew 9:15-17
- A wedding. No one mourns there. It is a time for rejoicing. Jesus said “I, the bridegroom, am present. It is a time for celebration.”
- A patch. A torn garment is ruined by a strong new patch, which tears the old cloth. “My message cannot be fitted into your rituals.” Jesus did not come to patch up an old religion, to reform Pharisaism. A totally new, radically different, heart change is needed.
- A wineskin. “Your system will not hold the true Gospel.” A bag of works cannot hold God’s grace in the heart.
Renovation won’t do, only a complete transformation.