Have you ever been invited to be a best man or maid of honor at a wedding? Someone you knew was getting married, but you didn’t have a very “good” relationship with the person. Let’s say it’s that long-lost cousin you knew when you were growing up very well, but now that you’re both older, you don’t keep in touch like you should, and you feel like even going to their wedding, knowing you don’t know them that well anymore, would be awkward. However, you have a relationship with their parent, your aunt or uncle, and they say, “Lookie here, you come be part of this wedding because that’s your family, you do this out of duty, not necessarily devotion, and don’t forget a nice gift.” When you arrive at that wedding, if you decide to go, even though your family is there, do you think you’ll have a positive experience?
In our question today, Jesus is dealing with some critical leaders and John’s disciples. They’ve been observing closely that while they’re starving their flesh out of obligation, because it’s tradition, Jesus’ followers are still going about eating and drinking. They want to know why Jesus won’t adhere to the “traditions” and “rules” of the culture. Jesus has an answer for them, but it’s a question and a parable about a garment and the wineskin. Through all this, Jesus was trying to point to some essential truths that still need to be grasped by every believer who follows Christ all these years later. It was a matter of doing things with a new motivation. Jesus’ disciples didn’t have to fast and mourn while he was with them; that would still make it about performing duties, but it didn’t require a relationship. Why would you mourn when you have the Lord of Lords with you?
This was about understanding their timing to a great extent. The mere fact that Jesus uses imagery of a “Bridegroom and his servants” implies an intimate relationship with the bride. This is a joyful occasion that means those in close relationship to the ones celebrating should be present. This isn’t about “fasting or not”; it’s about understanding that there’s the right timing for everything. Jesus did say that after He left, they would fast. Our time of fasting now must flow from a heart that is entirely devoted to the God who saved us and loves us. This isn’t about duty, it’s true devotion to a King who deserves ALL of us, wanting to enjoy His presence as we expect His return.
Here are my key takeaways I want to leave with you:
Jesus never wanted us to serve Him out of duty; He has always wanted our hearts. Have you surrendered your heart to Jesus yet?
Do you live in expectation and hope of His return, experiencing the joy and peace that come from walking in fellowship with Him?
Have you considered a regular practice of fasting as a form of devotion as you keep your affections set on your King, realizing nothing is more important than Him to you, not even food?
Scripture References: Matt 9:15, Mark 2:19, & Luke 5:34
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