A NEW THING - Matthew 9:14-17

A NEW THING - Matthew 9:14-17
What Does it say?  John's disciples ask Jesus disciples why they don't fast like they and the Pharisees did.  Jesus responds with three reasons. 1) wedding guests don't mourn while they are with celebrating with the groom. 2) you wouldn't put a new patch on old cloth. 3) you don't put new wine into an old wineskin.
What Does it Mean?   John himself referred to the Messiah as the bridegroom in John 3:29.  For the disciples to fast in mourning while Jesus was still with them would have been inappropriate.  Jesus' explanation about not putting a new patch on old cloth or putting new wine in an old wineskin is to help us understand that following Jesus is more than obeying rules.  Rules like fasting can be beneficial, but we will miss Jesus if we think we come to Him by following rules.  The old covenant was written in stone and required rituals and sacrifices to please God; the new covenant was paid for by Jesus blood, is written in our minds and made possible through our faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).  We have the Holy Spirit to guide us and we can enjoy an unbroken relationship with Jesus from now until the end of time.  That is a pretty good deal or covenant.  What part of your relationship with Jesus are you most grateful for?  Talk to Him about it today.