FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY- WEEK 4- YEAR-B

I Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9: Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me?

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15: When the bridegroom is taken away from them, they will fast.

Jesus Answers the Question about Fasting: Ushering a New Age & Covenant, 9:14-17

The question of fasting had already been answered by Jesus (Mt 6:16-18). What Jesus did was enlarge the question of fasting to include all religious ceremony and rituals, rules and regulations. He used three illustrations to show that he was ushering a new life, a new age and a new covenant between God and people. The truth of the old religion and practices were to be preserved (v.17). But now the truth superseded all former truth.

He had been sent by God to bring a new life to all people. The focus of this new life was His presence, the presence of the Bridegroom. Christ is the bridegroom of the new age, the new life and the new covenant. He is the bridegroom the Church.

1.     John’s disciples (v.14)

a.     Questioned Jesus about fasting

b.    Received three illustrations from Jesus

2.     The Bridegroom: A new life & age of Joy (15)

a.     His presence brings joy

b.    His prediction: Death

c.      His death shall bring fasting

3.     The new cloth: A stronger life and age (16)

a.     The new is stronger

b.    The old is weaker

4.     The new and old wine: A new life and age of more power (17)

a.     The new would burst the old bottles

b.    Both are to be preserved

Thought: The believer’s joy or sorrow is determined by his sense of the Lord’s presence. This is true with the bridegroom and his immediate attendants. It is true with us today.