Jesus Makes Everything New
Matthew 9:14-17 (ESV)
A Question About Fasting
Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”
Study Guide Questions:
What was the original purpose of fasting in the Old Testament, and how did Jesus make it new?
What does Jesus mean by calling himself the bridegroom?
Why did Jesus use the images of a wedding and wine to answer a question about fasting?
We are called not to live a patchwork faith. Can you share examples of where you have been able to live a whole-hearted devotion to Jesus?
Fasting is a voluntary act of anticipation and joy at the feast to come. Is this something that you have done before? Would you?
The sermon emphasized that true faith is lived out in community, not isolation. Are you actively engaging in Christian community—gathering, serving, praying, and supporting others? What is one step you can take to deepen your involvement?