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Jesus came to make us new, not patch us up.
06/08/25
18 Once when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t your disciples fast like John’s disciples and the Pharisees do?”
19 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can’t fast while the groom is with them.
20 But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
21 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.
22 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” — Mark 2:18–22 (NLT)
You can’t live a new life in Christ by trying to pour Him into your old way of living.
Once when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t your disciples fast like John’s disciples and the Pharisees do?” (v. 18)
19 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can’t fast while the groom is with them. (v. 19)
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV)
The time will come when the groom will be taken from them, and then they will fast. (v. 20)
We don’t fast to earn His acceptance—we fast because we already have it.
21 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.
22 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” (vv. 21-22)
…the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. — John 14:26 (NIV)
Acceptance
Religion: I obey to earn acceptance.
The Gospel: I’m accepted, so I obey.
Motivation
Religion: I’m driven by fear and insecurity.
The Gospel: I’m motivated by joy and gratitude.
Obedience
Religion: I obey to get things from God.
The Gospel: I obey God to get God – to enjoy Him and be like Him.
Circumstances
Religion: Hardship feels like punishment for failing.
The Gospel: Hardship is refining love, not rejection.
Criticism
Religion: Criticism threatens my self-worth.
The Gospel: Criticism doesn’t define me—God’s love does.
Prayer
Religion: I pray mainly when I need something.
The Gospel: I pray to be with God and enjoy Him.
Confidence
Religion: My confidence rises and falls with my performance.
The Gospel: My confidence comes from being loved and forgiven in Christ.
Identity
Religion: My identity is based on my performance and morality.
The Gospel: My identity is based on grace through Christ alone.
You can’t live a new life in Christ by trying to pour Him into your old way of living.
Will you join the celebration of the Groom?
Will you let the Holy Spirit continually transform you into a new container—one that overflows with the presence of Jesus?