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Jesus, Fasting and New Wine (Mark 2:18-22)
by Wayne Davies Mark continues his series of five consecutive episodes that demonstrate the growing conflict between Jesus and the religious elite of his day. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law have already expressed their disapproval of Jesus because he claims to have divine authority to forgive sin (Mark 2:1-12) and because he associates with undesirable people such as tax collectors and "sinners" (Mark 2:13-17). In Mark 2:18-22, the third of these five conflict passages, we read of a discussion between Jesus and "some people" about fasting. The disciples of John the Baptizer fasted and so did the Pharisees a devout Pharisee would fast twice a week (see Luke 18:12). Even though Mark does not specifically identify these "people", they are likely John's disciples (see Matthew 9:14) and the Pharisees. Now Jesus is being criticized for his failure to fast. These people express their rebuke in the form of a question: "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?" (Mark 2:18). And once again, Jesus' response is a brilliant counter-rebuke. He gives two reasons for not fasting. Reason #1. Jesus compares his coming to that of a wedding feast. The groom is here, so why would the wedding party fast during a time of celebration? The King of Israel has arrived! The Messiah has come! This is a time for much joy and happiness, not mourning. Reason #2. It's time for a radical change the old system of first century Judaism needs to go. Jesus uses two analogies to communicate this second reason that fasting is inappropriate for him and his followers. Fasting now would be as foolish as sewing a new cloth on an old garment (Mark 2:21) or putting new wine into old wineskins (Mark 2:22). The old garment and the old wineskins represent the Pharisees' legalistic system of proud self-righteousness. They believed their lists of do's and dont's earned the favor of God and justified their attitude of spiritual superiority. The new cloth and the new wine represent Jesus' message of the kingdom of God, which consists of repentance and grace and forgiveness to undeserving sinners like tax collectors and prostitutes. Obviously, these two approaches to God are incompatible and mutually exclusive. Do not let Jesus' subtle use of figurative language obscure his scathing rejection of the Pharisees' religion. In no uncertain terms, he pronounces judgment upon them and their system, and announces that the true way of God has arrived for all to see, believe and embrace. In the midst of this discussion, Jesus does allude to the one event that makes his way of grace and forgiveness possible. Note verse 20 "But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast." The word used for "taken" indicates a violent removal. This is the first direct reference to the death of Jesus in Mark's gospel, and as the remaining chapters unfold, Jesus will continue to predict both his death and resurrection to the disciples. Jesus' kingdom is a paradox. The King has come to offer his kingdom to his people, yet the Jews' rejection of that kingdom will result in the King being taken away from his followers. But his death is what makes possible the salvation of sinners, for "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). Looking for more Bible reading tips? I'd like you to have Free Instant Access to my eBook "God Wrote The Book: Do You Know How To Read It?". Simply visit http://www.GodWroteTheBook.com You'll learn a simple yet powerful way to read the Bible - with understanding and Christ-honoring, life-changing results! For more Bible reading tips, visit http://www.GodWroteTheBook.com for 2 free gifts: the Resource Guide "Top 5 Free Online Bible Study Tools" and my book "Sweeter Than Honey, More Precious Than Gold: Meditations on Psalm 119," by Wayne Davies, dedicated to helping you read and understand the Bible. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |