WEBVTT 00:00:00.120 --> 00:00:01.320 Well, good morning, church. 00:00:03.580 --> 00:00:07.660 Would you turn with me to Mark, chapter 2, verses 18 through 22? 00:00:08.439 --> 00:00:10.640 That is page 786 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:10.800 --> 00:00:13.359 We'll have it on the screens as well when I read it in just a second. 00:00:14.460 --> 00:00:18.379 We're continuing in our series in the Gospel of Mark this morning. 00:00:19.879 --> 00:00:23.000 Let me pray for us as we come to God's Word, and then I'll read. 00:00:26.640 --> 00:00:29.839 Oh, Father, what a powerful prayer that is. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.920 To want and to desire and to long for nothing but the Lord Jesus, 00:00:38.120 --> 00:00:43.340 the Lord Jesus above all else, above all the pleasures that this world can offer, 00:00:44.120 --> 00:00:49.620 above all the success and fame, and, Lord, all the things that might pull our hearts away. 00:00:49.740 --> 00:00:53.820 So we pray as we come to your Word now that you would indeed, by your Holy Spirit, 00:00:54.460 --> 00:00:59.240 give us Jesus, present Christ to us with fresh splendor, 00:00:59.240 --> 00:01:03.640 so that our hearts might know true and deep satisfaction, 00:01:03.780 --> 00:01:07.219 the satisfaction we were created for in our Lord. 00:01:08.219 --> 00:01:10.379 Make it so, God, by your grace. 00:01:10.879 --> 00:01:12.620 In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. 00:01:13.900 --> 00:01:18.159 All right, let me read for us Mark, chapter 2, verses 18 through 22. 00:01:18.159 --> 00:01:22.700 Now, John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:25.179 And people came and said to him, 00:01:25.539 --> 00:01:28.679 Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, 00:01:29.259 --> 00:01:31.420 but your disciples do not fast? 00:01:32.459 --> 00:01:33.379 Jesus said to them, 00:01:34.379 --> 00:01:38.000 Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 00:01:38.879 --> 00:01:42.659 As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 00:01:42.659 --> 00:01:46.920 The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, 00:01:47.340 --> 00:01:49.179 and then they will fast in that day. 00:01:50.739 --> 00:01:53.780 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. 00:01:54.340 --> 00:01:59.280 If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. 00:02:00.179 --> 00:02:03.579 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. 00:02:04.340 --> 00:02:07.439 If he does, the wine will burst the skins, 00:02:07.439 --> 00:02:11.219 and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. 00:02:12.159 --> 00:02:15.680 But new wine is for fresh wineskins. 00:02:17.300 --> 00:02:21.359 New wine is for fresh wineskins. 00:02:22.460 --> 00:02:24.680 So at this point in his public ministry, 00:02:24.819 --> 00:02:29.419 Jesus seems to have a knack for stirring up controversy. 00:02:30.599 --> 00:02:33.780 In chapter 1 of Mark, things seem to be smooth sailing. 00:02:33.780 --> 00:02:37.659 Jesus was teaching, healing, exercising, 00:02:37.979 --> 00:02:40.840 and the crowds were getting larger every day. 00:02:40.979 --> 00:02:45.439 It seemed like this was the Messiah everyone had been waiting for. 00:02:46.199 --> 00:02:51.159 But then in chapter 2, the mood starts to change. 00:02:52.300 --> 00:02:55.800 Jesus begins talking about his authority to forgive sins, 00:02:56.199 --> 00:02:59.159 and the radical welcome of God's kingdom for sinners. 00:02:59.920 --> 00:03:02.580 And suddenly, things start to heat up. 00:03:02.580 --> 00:03:07.180 These controversies will continue through the rest of chapter 2 00:03:07.180 --> 00:03:08.860 into the beginning of chapter 3, 00:03:09.400 --> 00:03:14.240 until suddenly Jesus is debating with his contemporaries 00:03:14.240 --> 00:03:17.439 one of the central practices of first century Judaism, 00:03:17.540 --> 00:03:18.560 the keeping of the Sabbath. 00:03:20.200 --> 00:03:22.420 But here, the flashpoint in our text, 00:03:22.960 --> 00:03:24.320 in the midst of these controversies, 00:03:24.439 --> 00:03:26.380 is the issue of fasting. 00:03:27.380 --> 00:03:27.960 Fasting. 00:03:27.960 --> 00:03:32.400 But this surface question about fasting 00:03:32.400 --> 00:03:37.340 soon opens into a deeper and much more profound question. 00:03:38.060 --> 00:03:41.020 A question about who Jesus really is 00:03:41.020 --> 00:03:44.060 and what exactly his presence means. 00:03:45.260 --> 00:03:48.580 What starts as a conversation about appropriate religious practices, 00:03:48.780 --> 00:03:50.300 fasting ends up becoming a question 00:03:50.300 --> 00:03:53.280 about the radical turning of the ages. 00:03:53.280 --> 00:03:57.259 And Jesus is suddenly talking about new wine, 00:03:57.759 --> 00:03:59.860 exploding old wineskins. 00:04:01.099 --> 00:04:05.819 The door of redemptive history is swinging open, 00:04:06.340 --> 00:04:09.500 and the banquet of festival joy is beginning. 00:04:09.500 --> 00:04:15.960 It seems the old garments and the old wineskins cannot contain 00:04:15.960 --> 00:04:19.540 the new thing that Jesus is bringing about. 00:04:20.600 --> 00:04:23.300 And this is exactly what Jesus has come to bring. 00:04:23.860 --> 00:04:24.839 Something new. 00:04:25.180 --> 00:04:27.240 The inbreaking of God's kingdom. 00:04:27.600 --> 00:04:30.360 The new thing that Israel's prophets had foretold. 00:04:30.879 --> 00:04:33.500 The new thing that cannot possibly be contained 00:04:33.500 --> 00:04:37.959 contained or restrained by familiar human traditions 00:04:37.959 --> 00:04:41.699 or comfortable religiosity. 00:04:44.259 --> 00:04:48.420 And all that gives many a deep cause for concern. 00:04:50.420 --> 00:04:51.100 Why? 00:04:51.300 --> 00:04:53.879 Well, because the familiar ways of doing things 00:04:53.879 --> 00:04:57.660 are, well, familiar, right? 00:04:57.980 --> 00:04:58.779 They're comforting. 00:04:58.779 --> 00:05:03.739 And Jesus seems to be upsetting this familiar, 00:05:04.479 --> 00:05:08.419 comfortable, even seemingly pious way of doing things. 00:05:10.179 --> 00:05:12.699 But the presence of Jesus means much more 00:05:12.699 --> 00:05:16.059 than that the old way of doing things needs to be revised. 00:05:16.619 --> 00:05:18.699 The presence of Jesus on the scene, 00:05:19.959 --> 00:05:22.199 his arrival, his presence, 00:05:22.659 --> 00:05:25.699 means that the whole thing needs to be made new. 00:05:26.699 --> 00:05:28.299 That we need to be made new. 00:05:28.779 --> 00:05:32.679 So let's look at our passage closely in two parts. 00:05:32.799 --> 00:05:34.759 That's how the passage kind of naturally divides. 00:05:35.279 --> 00:05:37.879 We see it kind of dividing verses 18 through 20 00:05:37.879 --> 00:05:40.539 and then the second half, verses 21 through 22. 00:05:41.179 --> 00:05:43.619 And first we see that the presence of Jesus 00:05:43.619 --> 00:05:45.319 and the newness of what he brings 00:05:45.319 --> 00:05:47.439 has sort of this immediate relevance 00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:49.459 to the traditional practice of fasting. 00:05:49.619 --> 00:05:52.000 Verse 18 tells us that now John's disciples, 00:05:52.199 --> 00:05:54.159 that is John the Baptist and his followers, 00:05:54.279 --> 00:05:56.939 his disciples, and the Pharisees were fasting. 00:05:56.939 --> 00:05:59.740 Okay, now, biblically speaking, what is fasting? 00:06:00.519 --> 00:06:04.300 Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food 00:06:04.300 --> 00:06:07.459 for a short period of time for a spiritual purpose, right? 00:06:07.480 --> 00:06:09.120 That's how we might just sort of quickly 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:11.160 and easily define biblical fasting. 00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:12.939 Lots of people today, right, 00:06:13.339 --> 00:06:15.240 fast for all sorts of reasons. 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:16.980 You know, maybe you think about something like 00:06:16.980 --> 00:06:20.100 intermittent fasting or something like that, right? 00:06:20.120 --> 00:06:22.159 Which is really about the physical outcomes, right? 00:06:22.220 --> 00:06:24.620 We're fasting in that sense to sort of, you know, 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:26.220 lose weight or feel better or whatever. 00:06:26.360 --> 00:06:30.600 But in the Bible, fasting is for a spiritual purpose. 00:06:31.540 --> 00:06:34.860 And that spiritual purpose is almost always 00:06:34.860 --> 00:06:39.060 to accompany and to focus the act of prayer. 00:06:40.139 --> 00:06:44.319 Fasting is a means to intensify prayer. 00:06:45.480 --> 00:06:47.240 And as we look at fasting across Scripture, 00:06:47.379 --> 00:06:50.160 we see fasting accompanying prayers of intercession, 00:06:50.160 --> 00:06:53.420 asking God for help, for rescue, for deliverance, 00:06:54.180 --> 00:06:57.060 or accompanying prayers of confession and repentance, 00:06:58.240 --> 00:07:00.000 or accompanying prayers of lament, 00:07:00.580 --> 00:07:03.260 or accompanying prayers for the advance of God's kingdom. 00:07:04.940 --> 00:07:08.140 So fasting, abstaining from food for a short period of time 00:07:08.140 --> 00:07:09.800 as a means of sharpening prayer, 00:07:10.020 --> 00:07:12.300 is a regular and healthy biblical practice. 00:07:13.100 --> 00:07:15.160 And in the Old Testament, you see, 00:07:15.160 --> 00:07:18.660 there was actually only one day a year 00:07:18.660 --> 00:07:21.700 that Israelites were required to fast 00:07:21.700 --> 00:07:22.780 under the law of Moses. 00:07:23.820 --> 00:07:25.580 And that day was the day of atonement. 00:07:26.540 --> 00:07:30.900 The one day when the high priest 00:07:30.900 --> 00:07:34.120 went into the holiest place in the tabernacle or the temple 00:07:34.120 --> 00:07:36.340 to make atonement for the people's sins 00:07:36.340 --> 00:07:38.300 before the Ark of the Covenant, 00:07:38.400 --> 00:07:40.660 that symbolic place where God was present. 00:07:40.660 --> 00:07:44.580 On that holy day, God, under the law of Moses, 00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:47.360 wanted everyone to fast and pray 00:07:47.360 --> 00:07:51.200 as their sins were symbolically covered and forgiven. 00:07:52.200 --> 00:07:53.040 So that was it. 00:07:53.280 --> 00:07:55.500 Just one day a year when everyone 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:57.700 under the Old Testament had to fast. 00:07:57.860 --> 00:08:00.700 But by the time of the first century, 00:08:01.720 --> 00:08:04.660 many, many other practices had cropped up 00:08:04.660 --> 00:08:08.840 that prescribed fasting on other days of the year. 00:08:08.839 --> 00:08:13.119 Many of these sort of regular fast days 00:08:13.119 --> 00:08:15.699 that had developed and been picked up in tradition 00:08:15.699 --> 00:08:17.239 were related, a lot of them, 00:08:17.419 --> 00:08:18.719 to the destruction of the temple 00:08:18.719 --> 00:08:20.419 and the exile in the sixth century. 00:08:20.939 --> 00:08:22.959 So they became ways to commemorate 00:08:22.959 --> 00:08:26.659 and to remember the fall of Jerusalem 00:08:26.659 --> 00:08:29.379 and to express a longing for God to come 00:08:29.379 --> 00:08:30.879 and to restore his people. 00:08:31.159 --> 00:08:33.480 And you know, even after the temple was rebuilt, 00:08:33.720 --> 00:08:34.899 when the exiles returned, 00:08:35.319 --> 00:08:37.419 those additional traditions about fasting, 00:08:37.419 --> 00:08:38.439 they continued. 00:08:39.339 --> 00:08:40.319 They kept going. 00:08:42.039 --> 00:08:43.519 And some groups, some movements 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:44.779 within first century Judaism 00:08:44.779 --> 00:08:47.559 even went beyond those prescribed fasting days. 00:08:47.919 --> 00:08:49.079 The Pharisees, for example, 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:52.199 they prescribed fasting twice per week. 00:08:53.959 --> 00:08:55.319 Do you remember Jesus' story 00:08:55.319 --> 00:08:56.860 of the Pharisees and the tax collector? 00:08:57.259 --> 00:08:58.240 The Pharisee and the tax collector 00:08:58.240 --> 00:08:59.079 from Luke's gospel? 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:00.860 What does the Pharisee say 00:09:00.860 --> 00:09:02.459 when he's praying in the temple? 00:09:02.980 --> 00:09:05.360 Oh Lord, I fast twice per week. 00:09:05.779 --> 00:09:05.939 Right? 00:09:05.940 --> 00:09:06.560 Do you remember that? 00:09:08.840 --> 00:09:10.060 Now on the surface, 00:09:10.840 --> 00:09:13.280 this wasn't necessarily a bad thing. 00:09:14.860 --> 00:09:17.280 In fact, many people looked to the Pharisees 00:09:17.280 --> 00:09:19.100 as models of piety, 00:09:19.540 --> 00:09:21.780 as models of serious godliness. 00:09:23.280 --> 00:09:24.880 And the disciples of John the Baptist. 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:26.220 Well, the disciples of John the Baptist 00:09:26.220 --> 00:09:28.420 might not have fasted twice per week, 00:09:28.420 --> 00:09:31.600 but they probably also practiced regular fasting. 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:35.399 And yet, 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:37.580 to the surprise, 00:09:38.580 --> 00:09:40.240 and the scandal of many, 00:09:41.019 --> 00:09:42.519 the disciples of Jesus, 00:09:43.519 --> 00:09:46.420 they didn't fast like that at all. 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:50.060 They weren't fasting regularly 00:09:50.060 --> 00:09:51.500 like John the Baptist's disciples. 00:09:52.040 --> 00:09:54.259 They certainly weren't fasting twice a week 00:09:54.259 --> 00:09:55.460 like the Pharisees. 00:09:55.460 --> 00:09:57.860 Or, you know, 00:09:57.920 --> 00:09:59.139 the many people who were attracted 00:09:59.139 --> 00:10:01.980 to the model of the Pharisaical spiritual life. 00:10:02.060 --> 00:10:02.720 You know, that's probably what 00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:04.680 disciples of the Pharisees means here. 00:10:04.879 --> 00:10:06.540 Those people who look to the Pharisees 00:10:06.540 --> 00:10:08.120 as their model for how to do 00:10:08.120 --> 00:10:09.400 their life with God. 00:10:12.840 --> 00:10:14.120 And this is the problem, right? 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:15.840 So how could Jesus say, 00:10:16.060 --> 00:10:17.940 how could Jesus say that he was here 00:10:17.940 --> 00:10:19.419 doing God's work 00:10:19.419 --> 00:10:22.240 when clearly Jesus and his disciples 00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:24.700 were falling way below the mark 00:10:24.700 --> 00:10:27.240 of what serious spiritual people 00:10:27.240 --> 00:10:28.639 are supposed to be doing? 00:10:29.039 --> 00:10:30.480 Why do John's disciples 00:10:30.480 --> 00:10:32.279 and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, 00:10:32.560 --> 00:10:34.200 but your disciples don't? 00:10:37.759 --> 00:10:39.299 But notice in verse 19 00:10:39.299 --> 00:10:40.480 what Jesus' answer is. 00:10:40.480 --> 00:10:45.940 You don't fast during a wedding, do you? 00:10:49.180 --> 00:10:50.440 And of course the answer was 00:10:50.440 --> 00:10:51.180 in the first century, 00:10:51.519 --> 00:10:53.379 no, you would never fast 00:10:53.379 --> 00:10:54.460 during a wedding, right? 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:56.139 Now if you think weddings today 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:57.060 are a big deal, 00:10:57.659 --> 00:10:59.360 they were an even bigger deal 00:10:59.360 --> 00:11:00.620 in the first century. 00:11:01.159 --> 00:11:02.259 You know, you think about 00:11:02.259 --> 00:11:03.159 planning a wedding today 00:11:03.159 --> 00:11:03.539 and you're like, 00:11:03.600 --> 00:11:05.100 we've got to plan a whole day 00:11:05.100 --> 00:11:05.980 of festivities 00:11:05.980 --> 00:11:07.960 from early sunrise 00:11:07.960 --> 00:11:09.019 till sundown. 00:11:09.019 --> 00:11:10.519 We're planning a service 00:11:10.519 --> 00:11:11.659 and we're planning a party 00:11:11.659 --> 00:11:12.379 and we've got to invite 00:11:12.379 --> 00:11:13.179 all of our relatives, 00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:13.919 the ones that we like 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:15.000 and the ones we don't like 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:16.100 and we've got to feed them. 00:11:16.360 --> 00:11:17.419 You know, this is a problem 00:11:17.419 --> 00:11:19.019 and it costs a lot of money 00:11:19.019 --> 00:11:19.799 and it's a lot of effort 00:11:19.799 --> 00:11:21.720 and it's a huge logistical challenge 00:11:21.720 --> 00:11:24.480 to plan a whole day, 00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:26.039 a party that lasts a whole day. 00:11:26.179 --> 00:11:28.299 But most wedding celebrations 00:11:28.299 --> 00:11:29.419 in the first century 00:11:29.419 --> 00:11:31.620 lasted a whole week. 00:11:31.620 --> 00:11:35.840 They were meant to be times 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:38.980 of celebration and joy. 00:11:40.539 --> 00:11:43.259 They were one of the handful of times 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:44.620 in a community 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:46.240 where for a whole week 00:11:46.240 --> 00:11:47.600 they would just let down 00:11:47.600 --> 00:11:48.899 and celebrate. 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:53.500 Even the serious scribes, 00:11:53.580 --> 00:11:55.340 the religious scholars of the day 00:11:55.340 --> 00:11:58.039 were willing to give themselves a pass 00:11:58.039 --> 00:11:59.719 when a wedding was afoot. 00:12:00.759 --> 00:12:02.679 Even they could sort of lay off 00:12:02.679 --> 00:12:04.360 their rigorous spiritual routines 00:12:04.360 --> 00:12:05.620 and celebrate. 00:12:06.459 --> 00:12:07.559 The tables were set, 00:12:07.899 --> 00:12:09.059 the wine was poured, 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:10.759 the music was played, 00:12:10.759 --> 00:12:12.299 and you didn't fast. 00:12:12.839 --> 00:12:14.179 You feasted. 00:12:14.179 --> 00:12:18.819 So why don't Jesus' disciples 00:12:18.819 --> 00:12:19.899 participate 00:12:19.899 --> 00:12:22.799 in the traditions of fasting 00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:24.199 of their contemporaries? 00:12:25.879 --> 00:12:27.500 Because according to Jesus, 00:12:28.059 --> 00:12:30.159 during the time of his earthly ministry, 00:12:30.559 --> 00:12:32.719 that's not what time it is. 00:12:33.719 --> 00:12:35.139 It's not the time 00:12:35.139 --> 00:12:36.979 for fasting. 00:12:37.279 --> 00:12:39.500 It's the time for feasting. 00:12:40.219 --> 00:12:41.559 The kingdom of God 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:43.159 is breaking in. 00:12:43.159 --> 00:12:45.919 The blind are receiving their sight. 00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:47.500 The lame are walking. 00:12:47.819 --> 00:12:49.459 The prisoners are being set free. 00:12:49.559 --> 00:12:51.500 The poor have good news preached to them. 00:12:52.559 --> 00:12:54.459 It's like a wedding feast is at hand. 00:12:54.879 --> 00:12:56.000 It's time to celebrate. 00:12:58.799 --> 00:12:59.659 But notice, 00:12:59.759 --> 00:13:01.219 as wonderful as all that is, 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:02.019 Jesus is saying, 00:13:02.319 --> 00:13:04.259 it's the time of the wedding feast. 00:13:04.740 --> 00:13:05.659 We can't fast. 00:13:05.939 --> 00:13:06.959 Jesus is saying something 00:13:06.959 --> 00:13:09.679 even more pointed than that. 00:13:11.539 --> 00:13:12.500 Verse 19, 00:13:12.500 --> 00:13:14.080 And Jesus said to them, 00:13:15.019 --> 00:13:16.279 Can the wedding guests fast 00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:18.740 while the bridegroom is with them? 00:13:19.399 --> 00:13:21.279 As long as they have 00:13:21.279 --> 00:13:22.919 the bridegroom with them, 00:13:23.340 --> 00:13:24.620 they cannot fast. 00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:26.460 So you see, 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:28.639 it's not just a question of when, 00:13:29.320 --> 00:13:31.120 but a question of who. 00:13:32.379 --> 00:13:34.000 The bridegroom is here. 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:36.019 And if he is here, 00:13:36.440 --> 00:13:38.500 then they simply cannot fast. 00:13:38.500 --> 00:13:42.279 And Jesus is obviously referring to himself here, 00:13:42.340 --> 00:13:42.559 right? 00:13:42.639 --> 00:13:45.000 He is the metaphorical bridegroom. 00:13:45.759 --> 00:13:46.620 He's here. 00:13:46.899 --> 00:13:47.840 He's with them. 00:13:48.539 --> 00:13:49.360 Imagine yourself, 00:13:49.419 --> 00:13:49.639 you know, 00:13:49.840 --> 00:13:51.840 sitting down at a rehearsal dinner, 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:52.259 right? 00:13:52.419 --> 00:13:53.840 In our sort of cultural context, 00:13:53.960 --> 00:13:55.720 rehearsal dinners are put on 00:13:55.720 --> 00:13:57.240 by the groom and the groom's family, 00:13:57.340 --> 00:13:57.580 right? 00:13:58.059 --> 00:13:59.419 Imagine you're at a rehearsal dinner. 00:13:59.759 --> 00:14:00.580 The groom and his family 00:14:00.580 --> 00:14:01.419 have made preparations 00:14:01.419 --> 00:14:02.679 for a wonderful meal. 00:14:02.919 --> 00:14:03.840 You sit down, 00:14:03.840 --> 00:14:04.720 and you say, 00:14:05.379 --> 00:14:05.519 oh, 00:14:05.560 --> 00:14:06.000 I'm sorry. 00:14:06.920 --> 00:14:08.240 I'll just watch you all eat 00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:09.700 because I'm fasting, 00:14:09.920 --> 00:14:10.940 right? 00:14:11.340 --> 00:14:12.000 How silly. 00:14:12.500 --> 00:14:12.740 No, 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:13.580 you sit down 00:14:13.580 --> 00:14:14.519 and you eat the food 00:14:14.519 --> 00:14:15.320 and you feast 00:14:15.320 --> 00:14:17.040 because you're in the presence 00:14:17.040 --> 00:14:18.700 of the groom. 00:14:22.540 --> 00:14:23.280 But you know, 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:24.360 Jesus is saying something 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:25.480 even more pointed. 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:28.100 He's not just saying, 00:14:28.400 --> 00:14:28.900 I'm here 00:14:28.900 --> 00:14:30.100 and that's why we're fasting. 00:14:30.240 --> 00:14:31.180 That would have been bold 00:14:31.180 --> 00:14:32.500 and controversial enough 00:14:32.500 --> 00:14:33.600 and it would have raised 00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:34.840 a number of eyebrows. 00:14:35.320 --> 00:14:37.320 But consider Jesus' choice 00:14:37.320 --> 00:14:38.019 of metaphor. 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:40.620 Of all the metaphors 00:14:40.620 --> 00:14:41.500 he could have chosen 00:14:41.500 --> 00:14:43.320 to describe the time 00:14:43.320 --> 00:14:44.639 and his identity, 00:14:45.120 --> 00:14:47.720 he chooses not just a wedding 00:14:47.720 --> 00:14:49.820 but a bridegroom. 00:14:52.220 --> 00:14:52.419 You know, 00:14:52.440 --> 00:14:53.139 it's interesting that many 00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:54.179 of the Old Testament metaphors 00:14:54.179 --> 00:14:55.159 for the coming Messiah, 00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:56.519 there are a lot of them, 00:14:56.580 --> 00:14:56.840 right, 00:14:56.980 --> 00:14:58.120 that describe sort of 00:14:58.120 --> 00:15:00.039 what this coming king 00:15:00.039 --> 00:15:00.759 would be like, 00:15:01.080 --> 00:15:02.259 what his ministry 00:15:02.259 --> 00:15:02.720 would be like, 00:15:02.740 --> 00:15:03.360 what his reign 00:15:03.360 --> 00:15:03.919 would be like. 00:15:04.080 --> 00:15:04.639 In the Old Testament, 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:05.659 there are a lot of metaphors 00:15:05.659 --> 00:15:06.500 for the coming Messiah 00:15:06.500 --> 00:15:07.939 but bridegroom 00:15:07.939 --> 00:15:08.939 is not one of them. 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:12.419 We don't find 00:15:12.419 --> 00:15:13.580 the coming Davidic king 00:15:13.580 --> 00:15:14.860 spoken of in these terms. 00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:16.759 So what is Jesus doing here 00:15:16.759 --> 00:15:17.779 with this choice of metaphor? 00:15:19.919 --> 00:15:20.279 Well, 00:15:20.319 --> 00:15:21.259 when we look at the Old Testament, 00:15:21.439 --> 00:15:21.960 we find 00:15:21.960 --> 00:15:23.939 that someone else 00:15:23.939 --> 00:15:25.379 is spoken of 00:15:25.379 --> 00:15:25.879 in that way. 00:15:27.639 --> 00:15:28.600 In the Old Testament, 00:15:28.600 --> 00:15:29.300 this metaphor 00:15:29.300 --> 00:15:31.399 of a groom 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:32.720 and his bride, 00:15:32.860 --> 00:15:33.500 of the husband 00:15:33.500 --> 00:15:34.659 and his bride 00:15:34.659 --> 00:15:36.540 is used most often 00:15:36.540 --> 00:15:38.800 of the Lord God himself. 00:15:40.500 --> 00:15:41.560 The Lord, 00:15:41.920 --> 00:15:42.460 God, 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:44.159 the creator of all things 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:45.940 is Israel's husband, 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:47.700 Israel's bridegroom. 00:15:48.700 --> 00:15:49.480 And the prophets 00:15:49.480 --> 00:15:50.920 speak again and again 00:15:50.920 --> 00:15:53.420 of when the Lord 00:15:53.420 --> 00:15:53.980 will come 00:15:53.980 --> 00:15:56.080 and bring his wayward bride 00:15:56.080 --> 00:15:56.920 back home. 00:15:56.919 --> 00:15:58.799 They tell the story 00:15:58.799 --> 00:15:59.620 again and again 00:15:59.620 --> 00:16:00.299 of how the Lord 00:16:00.299 --> 00:16:01.559 loved his people 00:16:01.559 --> 00:16:03.379 and how he took them 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:04.159 to himself 00:16:04.159 --> 00:16:05.479 but tragically 00:16:05.479 --> 00:16:06.659 how they turned away 00:16:06.659 --> 00:16:08.099 and sought other lovers 00:16:08.099 --> 00:16:09.319 but full of compassion. 00:16:09.979 --> 00:16:10.559 The prophets say 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:12.000 the Lord will remain faithful 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:13.759 and he will bring his people, 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:15.099 he will bring his bride 00:16:15.099 --> 00:16:16.279 back to himself. 00:16:16.719 --> 00:16:17.819 He'll renew his covenant 00:16:17.819 --> 00:16:18.179 with them. 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:18.539 In fact, 00:16:18.599 --> 00:16:19.139 he'll even make 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:20.479 a new covenant with them, 00:16:20.719 --> 00:16:21.620 one that this time 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:22.860 can never be broken. 00:16:22.860 --> 00:16:28.340 Can the wedding guests fast 00:16:28.340 --> 00:16:29.779 while the bridegroom 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:30.740 is with them? 00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:32.379 Ah, 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:33.060 do you see what Jesus 00:16:33.060 --> 00:16:33.940 is doing here 00:16:33.940 --> 00:16:35.519 in this early stage 00:16:35.519 --> 00:16:36.300 of his ministry? 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:37.480 Slowly, 00:16:38.139 --> 00:16:38.740 patiently, 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:40.379 he's trying to get 00:16:40.379 --> 00:16:41.759 their minds to open. 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:42.840 He's trying to get 00:16:42.840 --> 00:16:44.379 their eyes to see 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:45.980 that his presence 00:16:45.980 --> 00:16:46.940 in their midst 00:16:46.940 --> 00:16:48.600 is so much greater 00:16:48.600 --> 00:16:50.139 than another rabbi 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:51.379 or another prophet 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:52.659 or even another 00:16:52.659 --> 00:16:53.659 would-be Messiah. 00:16:54.319 --> 00:16:55.039 He is, of course, 00:16:55.120 --> 00:16:55.980 all those things, 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:56.480 prophet, 00:16:57.100 --> 00:16:57.460 teacher, 00:16:58.019 --> 00:16:58.399 king, 00:16:58.699 --> 00:17:00.240 but would they be willing 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:00.980 to see 00:17:00.980 --> 00:17:02.759 that he is 00:17:02.759 --> 00:17:04.519 the Lord 00:17:04.519 --> 00:17:06.539 come in the flesh? 00:17:09.480 --> 00:17:11.000 And if God has indeed 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:11.940 come in the person 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:12.440 of Jesus 00:17:12.440 --> 00:17:14.059 to bring home 00:17:14.059 --> 00:17:15.099 his wayward bride, 00:17:15.859 --> 00:17:16.819 then indeed 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:17.960 it is time 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:19.240 to celebrate 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:20.860 and to rejoice. 00:17:23.140 --> 00:17:24.600 Jesus is in their midst. 00:17:25.400 --> 00:17:25.840 The Lord 00:17:25.840 --> 00:17:26.720 is in their midst. 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:28.660 It is not time 00:17:28.660 --> 00:17:29.340 for fasting 00:17:29.340 --> 00:17:31.400 but for feasting. 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:35.940 Is that still the case 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:37.380 for Christians today? 00:17:40.140 --> 00:17:40.840 Well, you know, 00:17:40.900 --> 00:17:41.700 here in this passage 00:17:41.700 --> 00:17:42.860 Jesus acknowledges 00:17:42.860 --> 00:17:44.400 that in the future 00:17:44.400 --> 00:17:45.120 his disciples 00:17:45.120 --> 00:17:46.700 will indeed fast, 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:47.279 right? 00:17:47.279 --> 00:17:47.940 Look at what he says. 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:48.200 He says, 00:17:48.279 --> 00:17:48.879 the days will come 00:17:48.879 --> 00:17:49.500 when the bridegroom 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:50.759 is taken away from them 00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:52.460 and then they will fast. 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:53.160 They will fast 00:17:53.160 --> 00:17:53.740 in that day. 00:17:56.099 --> 00:17:57.039 Jesus speaks here 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:57.940 of the bridegroom 00:17:57.940 --> 00:17:59.480 being taken away. 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:01.539 You see, 00:18:01.619 --> 00:18:02.180 Jesus knows 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:02.759 that in order 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.779 to win back 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:04.980 his wayward people, 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:06.579 he will need 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:08.240 to give himself over 00:18:08.240 --> 00:18:09.960 on their behalf. 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:13.079 He will be handed over. 00:18:13.639 --> 00:18:14.799 He will be taken away. 00:18:14.899 --> 00:18:15.599 He will lay down 00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:16.159 his life 00:18:16.159 --> 00:18:17.419 for his beloved. 00:18:18.379 --> 00:18:19.579 He will be taken away, 00:18:19.719 --> 00:18:21.000 taken away to the cross, 00:18:21.659 --> 00:18:23.399 taken away to be condemned 00:18:23.399 --> 00:18:24.579 and die. 00:18:25.000 --> 00:18:25.419 Why? 00:18:26.859 --> 00:18:28.119 So that our sins 00:18:28.119 --> 00:18:28.919 can be forgiven. 00:18:29.759 --> 00:18:31.859 So that our unfaithfulness 00:18:31.859 --> 00:18:33.719 can be covered 00:18:33.719 --> 00:18:36.639 by his utter faithfulness. 00:18:37.139 --> 00:18:38.500 Faithfulness even unto death. 00:18:40.099 --> 00:18:40.719 Jesus says, 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:41.440 they will fast 00:18:41.440 --> 00:18:42.059 in that day. 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:44.240 And indeed, 00:18:44.319 --> 00:18:45.039 Mark tells us 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:46.120 in his passion account 00:18:46.120 --> 00:18:47.480 that comes later 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:48.319 in his gospel 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:50.740 how after Jesus' arrest, 00:18:51.559 --> 00:18:52.079 the disciples 00:18:52.079 --> 00:18:52.920 are scattered 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:53.519 and afraid 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:56.339 and the feasting stops 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:57.380 and it seems like 00:18:57.380 --> 00:18:58.240 the wedding is over. 00:18:59.700 --> 00:19:01.180 But three days later, 00:19:01.460 --> 00:19:02.860 what happens? 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:05.220 Jesus is raised. 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:06.860 Having paid 00:19:06.860 --> 00:19:07.660 sin's penalty, 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:08.880 death no more 00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:10.060 has dominion over him. 00:19:10.340 --> 00:19:11.720 He's raised in power 00:19:11.720 --> 00:19:12.680 and he comes 00:19:12.680 --> 00:19:13.640 to his disciples 00:19:13.640 --> 00:19:14.580 with what? 00:19:14.640 --> 00:19:15.240 With a message 00:19:15.240 --> 00:19:15.920 of grace 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:17.060 and peace 00:19:17.060 --> 00:19:18.100 and the forgiveness 00:19:18.100 --> 00:19:18.700 of sins 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:20.480 for all who believe in him. 00:19:21.360 --> 00:19:22.400 And then he ascends 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:22.900 on high 00:19:22.900 --> 00:19:23.860 and he pours out 00:19:23.860 --> 00:19:24.380 the Spirit 00:19:24.380 --> 00:19:25.160 at Pentecost 00:19:25.160 --> 00:19:26.260 and the church 00:19:26.260 --> 00:19:27.480 begins to testify 00:19:27.480 --> 00:19:28.900 in his name 00:19:28.900 --> 00:19:30.360 with great boldness 00:19:30.360 --> 00:19:31.840 and great joy. 00:19:33.900 --> 00:19:35.440 And so for the church today, 00:19:35.680 --> 00:19:36.880 we kind of ask again, 00:19:37.200 --> 00:19:37.420 well, 00:19:37.420 --> 00:19:38.100 is it a time 00:19:38.100 --> 00:19:38.740 of fasting 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:39.740 or feasting? 00:19:41.300 --> 00:19:41.779 Well, 00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:44.140 the answer is 00:19:44.140 --> 00:19:45.880 both. 00:19:47.820 --> 00:19:49.019 Fasting remains 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:50.380 a biblical practice 00:19:50.380 --> 00:19:51.080 to accompany 00:19:51.080 --> 00:19:52.279 and empower prayer. 00:19:52.640 --> 00:19:52.980 And indeed, 00:19:53.080 --> 00:19:53.740 we see the church 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.580 in the book of Acts 00:19:54.580 --> 00:19:55.560 so bristling 00:19:55.560 --> 00:19:57.580 and cracking with joy. 00:19:57.660 --> 00:19:58.240 What are they doing? 00:19:58.420 --> 00:19:59.039 They're fasting 00:19:59.039 --> 00:20:00.480 and praying, right? 00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:01.660 And we see God 00:20:01.660 --> 00:20:02.740 mightily answering 00:20:02.740 --> 00:20:03.460 those prayers. 00:20:04.100 --> 00:20:05.360 And for us today too, 00:20:05.359 --> 00:20:07.159 we still await 00:20:07.159 --> 00:20:08.500 the Lord Jesus' 00:20:08.740 --> 00:20:09.599 return in glory. 00:20:10.719 --> 00:20:11.539 And so our prayers 00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:12.219 continue 00:20:12.219 --> 00:20:13.419 and at times 00:20:13.419 --> 00:20:14.459 we will punctuate 00:20:14.459 --> 00:20:15.159 those prayers, 00:20:15.579 --> 00:20:16.459 sharpen those prayers 00:20:16.459 --> 00:20:17.119 with fasting. 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:20.159 But the church age, 00:20:20.439 --> 00:20:21.859 this time that we live in, 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:22.899 this age between 00:20:22.899 --> 00:20:23.959 the first and the second 00:20:23.959 --> 00:20:24.979 coming of Christ, 00:20:25.639 --> 00:20:26.740 is not just a time 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:27.519 for fasting. 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:30.279 It is also supremely 00:20:30.279 --> 00:20:32.779 an age for feasting. 00:20:34.379 --> 00:20:35.960 The joy that Jesus brought 00:20:35.960 --> 00:20:37.099 in His earthly ministry 00:20:37.099 --> 00:20:38.059 has been sealed 00:20:38.059 --> 00:20:39.079 by His resurrection 00:20:39.079 --> 00:20:40.279 and the outpouring 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:40.920 of the Spirit. 00:20:41.940 --> 00:20:42.839 We have joy 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:43.619 because our sins 00:20:43.619 --> 00:20:44.279 have been forgiven 00:20:44.279 --> 00:20:45.400 and we've been reconciled 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:45.920 to God. 00:20:46.839 --> 00:20:47.579 Joy because 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:48.859 the new creation 00:20:48.859 --> 00:20:49.500 has begun 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:50.579 and we see its fruit 00:20:50.579 --> 00:20:51.700 sprouting around us. 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:52.539 Joy because 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:53.960 eternal life, 00:20:53.960 --> 00:20:56.500 eternal life 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:58.100 has been secured. 00:21:00.660 --> 00:21:01.640 King Jesus 00:21:01.640 --> 00:21:03.360 has inaugurated 00:21:03.360 --> 00:21:04.220 God's kingdom 00:21:04.220 --> 00:21:05.539 and what is 00:21:05.539 --> 00:21:06.519 that kingdom about? 00:21:07.600 --> 00:21:08.140 Paul will say 00:21:08.140 --> 00:21:08.860 in Romans 14, 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.519 righteousness, 00:21:10.340 --> 00:21:10.779 peace, 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:12.140 and joy 00:21:12.140 --> 00:21:13.579 in the Holy Spirit. 00:21:14.680 --> 00:21:15.740 If the righteousness 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:17.160 of Christ is ours, 00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:17.960 and it is, 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:19.360 then the peace 00:21:19.360 --> 00:21:20.340 of God is ours. 00:21:20.860 --> 00:21:21.620 And if the peace 00:21:21.620 --> 00:21:22.779 of God is ours, 00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:24.539 then surely 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:26.359 we must know 00:21:26.359 --> 00:21:27.079 the joy 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:28.519 of the Holy Spirit. 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:31.559 And so as Christians, 00:21:31.720 --> 00:21:32.579 we make fasting 00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:34.019 a practice, 00:21:34.399 --> 00:21:35.819 but we also make 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:36.599 feasting, 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:37.960 celebration, 00:21:38.599 --> 00:21:40.480 a spiritual practice. 00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:43.899 To be a serious 00:21:43.899 --> 00:21:44.759 Christian 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:46.279 doesn't mean 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:48.160 wearing a somber face 00:21:48.160 --> 00:21:50.000 and never having fun. 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:52.000 a spiritual 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:52.759 thing. 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:53.180 Serious 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:54.019 Christianity 00:21:54.019 --> 00:21:55.619 takes serious 00:21:55.619 --> 00:21:56.319 the reality 00:21:56.319 --> 00:21:57.440 that death 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.140 has been defeated 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:59.740 and one day 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:00.680 God will make 00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:01.599 all things new. 00:22:02.420 --> 00:22:03.599 And so we celebrate. 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.799 We take time. 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:07.220 We make it a practice 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:08.859 not only to fast 00:22:08.859 --> 00:22:10.119 but to feast. 00:22:12.579 --> 00:22:13.819 But you might ask, 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:14.220 you know, 00:22:14.960 --> 00:22:15.839 is it right, 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:16.200 I mean, 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:17.339 is it really right 00:22:17.339 --> 00:22:18.579 for Christians 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:20.139 to make a practice 00:22:20.139 --> 00:22:21.119 of celebration, 00:22:21.459 --> 00:22:22.220 of feasting, 00:22:22.359 --> 00:22:23.259 when there is so much 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:24.139 going wrong 00:22:24.139 --> 00:22:24.819 in the world? 00:22:26.639 --> 00:22:27.699 I recently ran 00:22:27.699 --> 00:22:28.679 across a statistic 00:22:28.679 --> 00:22:30.919 that in 1991, 00:22:31.659 --> 00:22:32.919 the National Park Service, 00:22:33.059 --> 00:22:34.139 so that's the organization, 00:22:34.240 --> 00:22:35.039 the governmental organization 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:36.179 that runs the national parks 00:22:36.179 --> 00:22:36.919 all across the country, 00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:38.259 I ran across a statistic 00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:39.099 that in 1991, 00:22:39.299 --> 00:22:40.319 the National Park Service, 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:41.539 after decades 00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:42.659 of cutting its budgets 00:22:42.659 --> 00:22:44.179 and laying off staff 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:45.759 and closing campgrounds 00:22:45.759 --> 00:22:46.200 and buildings 00:22:46.200 --> 00:22:47.240 due to disrepair, 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:48.900 they decided 00:22:48.900 --> 00:22:50.039 to spend 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:51.740 half a million dollars 00:22:51.740 --> 00:22:54.880 on a 75th anniversary 00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:55.460 gala 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:56.720 in Vail, Colorado. 00:22:57.920 --> 00:22:58.200 Okay, 00:22:58.480 --> 00:22:58.820 so like, 00:22:59.080 --> 00:22:59.820 clearly everything's 00:22:59.820 --> 00:23:00.460 not going great 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:01.400 at the National Park Service 00:23:01.400 --> 00:23:01.680 and they're like, 00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:02.900 let's spend half a million dollars 00:23:02.900 --> 00:23:03.820 on a gala 00:23:03.820 --> 00:23:04.340 in Vail. 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:05.880 Was that really 00:23:05.880 --> 00:23:06.380 the best way 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:07.620 to spend their budget, 00:23:07.900 --> 00:23:08.240 right? 00:23:08.480 --> 00:23:09.519 Should they have been feasting 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:09.920 when everything 00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:11.039 was going so wrong? 00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:13.980 Are Christians 00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:14.759 essentially doing 00:23:14.759 --> 00:23:15.639 the same thing 00:23:15.639 --> 00:23:17.220 if we make a practice 00:23:17.220 --> 00:23:18.240 of celebration 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:19.079 in a world 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:19.779 where so much 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:20.700 is going wrong? 00:23:21.819 --> 00:23:22.680 Even if we aren't 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:23.599 so financially foolish 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:24.819 as the National Park Service, 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:26.159 is it still just 00:23:26.159 --> 00:23:27.359 not the right thing to do? 00:23:28.619 --> 00:23:29.819 Should we be lamenting, 00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:31.119 not rejoicing? 00:23:32.960 --> 00:23:33.440 Well, 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:33.839 to be sure, 00:23:33.899 --> 00:23:34.539 there is a place 00:23:34.539 --> 00:23:35.279 for lament 00:23:35.279 --> 00:23:36.339 in our broken world, 00:23:36.740 --> 00:23:37.899 but consider, 00:23:38.899 --> 00:23:40.379 consider what 00:23:40.380 --> 00:23:42.420 feasting says 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.980 in a world 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:45.220 where so much 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:46.420 is going wrong. 00:23:48.300 --> 00:23:48.900 Do you remember 00:23:48.900 --> 00:23:49.400 the scene 00:23:49.400 --> 00:23:49.980 in the line 00:23:49.980 --> 00:23:50.980 The Witch and the Wardrobe? 00:23:51.900 --> 00:23:52.580 It's kind of 00:23:52.580 --> 00:23:52.960 towards the end 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:53.400 of the book 00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:54.580 when spring 00:23:54.580 --> 00:23:55.220 has just started 00:23:55.220 --> 00:23:55.860 to set in 00:23:55.860 --> 00:23:56.420 and the snow 00:23:56.420 --> 00:23:57.160 is starting to melt 00:23:57.160 --> 00:23:58.460 and the white witch 00:23:58.460 --> 00:23:59.480 is sort of driving 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:00.240 her sled 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:02.080 through the melting snows 00:24:02.080 --> 00:24:02.920 and she's just 00:24:02.920 --> 00:24:04.220 sort of plowing along 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:05.400 and trudging along, 00:24:05.780 --> 00:24:06.700 probably going out, 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.380 I think at this point 00:24:07.380 --> 00:24:07.680 in the story 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:08.240 she's going out 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:09.100 to meet Aslan 00:24:09.099 --> 00:24:09.699 and do battle 00:24:09.699 --> 00:24:11.240 and spread wickedness 00:24:11.240 --> 00:24:11.699 and all that sort 00:24:11.699 --> 00:24:12.079 of fun stuff. 00:24:12.459 --> 00:24:12.899 She's sort of 00:24:12.899 --> 00:24:14.000 driving along 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:15.299 and then what happens? 00:24:15.619 --> 00:24:16.079 As she's sort of 00:24:16.079 --> 00:24:16.819 trudging along, 00:24:16.919 --> 00:24:17.759 she comes across 00:24:17.759 --> 00:24:18.559 a small group 00:24:18.559 --> 00:24:19.559 of woodland creatures 00:24:19.559 --> 00:24:21.299 and what are they doing? 00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:22.439 She kind of 00:24:22.439 --> 00:24:23.279 stumbles across them. 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:23.719 What are they doing? 00:24:23.819 --> 00:24:23.939 Well, 00:24:23.959 --> 00:24:24.379 they're holding 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:25.379 a small feast. 00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:28.240 They're raising glasses. 00:24:28.399 --> 00:24:29.299 They're eating together 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:30.539 and the witch 00:24:30.539 --> 00:24:31.579 basically says to them, 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.899 who told you 00:24:32.899 --> 00:24:34.019 you have a right 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:35.039 to throw a party? 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:37.459 Stop it right now 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:38.120 or I'll turn you 00:24:38.120 --> 00:24:38.559 to stone. 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:40.340 And what do 00:24:40.340 --> 00:24:41.039 the creatures do? 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:43.140 They raise their glasses 00:24:43.140 --> 00:24:44.480 and basically say, 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:45.840 turn us to stone. 00:24:46.120 --> 00:24:47.240 The king's on his way 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.900 and no amount 00:24:48.900 --> 00:24:49.360 of evil 00:24:49.360 --> 00:24:51.579 is going to stop him 00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:52.259 from making 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:53.360 all things new. 00:24:54.880 --> 00:24:55.500 So what does 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:56.019 the witch do? 00:24:56.440 --> 00:24:56.940 In a rage, 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:57.519 she turns them 00:24:57.519 --> 00:24:58.480 to stone, right? 00:25:00.100 --> 00:25:00.759 It's okay. 00:25:00.960 --> 00:25:01.420 Spoiler alert, 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:01.980 you find out 00:25:01.980 --> 00:25:02.660 they get brought back 00:25:02.660 --> 00:25:03.360 to like, you know, 00:25:03.620 --> 00:25:04.460 fleshy woodland creatures 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:05.340 after Aslan wins. 00:25:05.920 --> 00:25:07.299 But what's the point, right? 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:07.960 What's the point? 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:10.940 You see, friends, 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:13.379 in a fallen world, 00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:14.940 feasting, 00:25:15.259 --> 00:25:16.119 feasting 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:18.419 can be an act of war, 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:21.720 an act of spiritual warfare. 00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:24.440 Feasting is a way 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:25.859 of saying to the powers 00:25:25.859 --> 00:25:27.000 of evil and darkness, 00:25:27.639 --> 00:25:28.700 you shall not win 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:30.319 and you cannot win 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:32.159 because Christ has died, 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:33.680 Christ has risen, 00:25:34.159 --> 00:25:35.519 and Christ will come again. 00:25:35.519 --> 00:25:37.359 So no matter 00:25:37.359 --> 00:25:38.920 what darkness may come, 00:25:40.139 --> 00:25:41.119 Christians in this age 00:25:41.119 --> 00:25:42.200 can raise a glass 00:25:42.200 --> 00:25:44.180 and celebrate our king 00:25:44.180 --> 00:25:46.420 with hope and joy 00:25:46.420 --> 00:25:48.379 that the final word 00:25:48.379 --> 00:25:49.980 over this fallen creation 00:25:49.980 --> 00:25:51.900 belongs to him 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:53.279 and to him alone. 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:56.660 So the first point 00:25:56.660 --> 00:25:57.440 of our passage 00:25:57.440 --> 00:25:59.279 is that the presence 00:25:59.279 --> 00:25:59.899 of Jesus 00:25:59.899 --> 00:26:00.819 and the newness 00:26:00.819 --> 00:26:01.619 he brings 00:26:01.619 --> 00:26:03.339 means that we have 00:26:03.339 --> 00:26:05.519 reason to feast, 00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:07.680 reason to be joyful 00:26:07.680 --> 00:26:09.160 and to celebrate. 00:26:09.160 --> 00:26:12.259 But the passage ends 00:26:12.259 --> 00:26:13.640 with a second point. 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:15.980 In verses 21 through 22, 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:18.140 Jesus gives two quick parables 00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:19.480 or metaphors 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:22.400 to point to the deeper significance 00:26:22.400 --> 00:26:23.800 of what he's accomplishing. 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:24.380 You know, 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:25.320 this whole thing 00:26:25.320 --> 00:26:26.680 isn't just about fasting. 00:26:28.180 --> 00:26:28.960 Jesus talks here 00:26:28.960 --> 00:26:30.500 about new cloth 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:31.880 and new wine 00:26:31.880 --> 00:26:32.880 and even new wine 00:26:32.880 --> 00:26:34.160 exploding old wineskins. 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:37.460 Something deeper is afoot. 00:26:37.460 --> 00:26:38.980 This is about more 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:40.200 than whether we should fast 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:40.779 or not. 00:26:41.299 --> 00:26:42.200 This is about something 00:26:42.200 --> 00:26:43.220 so new, 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:45.240 so good on its way 00:26:45.240 --> 00:26:46.759 that the old structures 00:26:46.759 --> 00:26:48.160 and the old systems 00:26:48.160 --> 00:26:49.500 simply won't 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:51.220 and cannot contain it. 00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:53.980 Fasting is just 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:55.100 a little sample 00:26:55.100 --> 00:26:56.279 of what's about 00:26:56.279 --> 00:26:58.059 to be utterly transformed 00:26:58.059 --> 00:27:00.019 by Jesus and his ministry. 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:02.940 And isn't that so? 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:05.200 Think about it. 00:27:05.200 --> 00:27:08.240 What else 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:09.539 in the practice 00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:10.700 of first century faith 00:27:10.700 --> 00:27:11.259 would Jesus 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:12.920 utterly transform 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:14.500 when he had finished 00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:15.279 his new work? 00:27:16.900 --> 00:27:17.660 Temple, 00:27:19.059 --> 00:27:19.819 sacrifice, 00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:21.440 priesthood, 00:27:22.100 --> 00:27:24.700 the whole ceremonial law 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:28.299 that had led 00:27:28.299 --> 00:27:29.620 and instructed Israel 00:27:29.620 --> 00:27:31.120 for hundreds of years 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:33.039 would pass away 00:27:33.039 --> 00:27:34.639 because of the new thing 00:27:34.639 --> 00:27:36.359 Jesus was bringing about. 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:39.720 Could the new wine 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:41.539 of Jesus' sacrificial death 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.159 on the cross, 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:43.440 the once for all 00:27:43.440 --> 00:27:44.480 atonement for sin, 00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:45.819 be put back in 00:27:45.819 --> 00:27:47.399 to the old wineskin 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:48.980 of the sacrificial system 00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:49.920 of bulls and goats? 00:27:52.119 --> 00:27:53.680 Could the new cloth 00:27:53.680 --> 00:27:55.019 of Jesus' perfect 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:56.099 high priesthood, 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.720 standing at the Father's 00:27:57.720 --> 00:27:58.339 right hand, 00:27:58.659 --> 00:27:59.720 forever to intercede 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:00.079 with us, 00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:01.220 be stitched back 00:28:01.220 --> 00:28:02.220 into the old garment 00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:03.600 of the Levitical priesthood? 00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:06.200 With the arrival 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:06.779 of Jesus, 00:28:06.940 --> 00:28:07.660 the shadows 00:28:07.660 --> 00:28:08.779 of the Old Testament 00:28:08.779 --> 00:28:09.539 were giving way 00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:10.460 to substance. 00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:11.700 The old covenant 00:28:11.700 --> 00:28:12.339 was giving way 00:28:12.339 --> 00:28:12.940 to the new. 00:28:14.900 --> 00:28:16.019 And this is what God 00:28:16.019 --> 00:28:17.160 had planned all along. 00:28:18.900 --> 00:28:19.220 You see, 00:28:19.299 --> 00:28:20.740 Jesus wasn't replacing 00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:21.759 the sacrifices, 00:28:21.980 --> 00:28:22.360 the temple, 00:28:22.480 --> 00:28:23.140 the priesthood. 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:25.160 He was fulfilling them. 00:28:25.160 --> 00:28:28.019 He was bringing them 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:29.340 to their completion. 00:28:29.820 --> 00:28:31.340 They were signposts 00:28:31.340 --> 00:28:32.060 all along, 00:28:32.380 --> 00:28:33.279 pointing ahead, 00:28:33.600 --> 00:28:34.640 preparing the way 00:28:34.640 --> 00:28:35.840 for what He would 00:28:35.840 --> 00:28:37.060 ultimately accomplish. 00:28:38.480 --> 00:28:39.779 The work Jesus 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.759 was accomplishing 00:28:40.759 --> 00:28:42.420 through His earthly ministry 00:28:42.420 --> 00:28:44.440 wasn't going to go back 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.900 into the old bottles. 00:28:46.560 --> 00:28:48.400 It was making something new. 00:28:48.400 --> 00:28:52.200 But were the people 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:52.640 of His day 00:28:52.640 --> 00:28:53.380 ready for it? 00:28:55.960 --> 00:28:56.620 Many people 00:28:56.620 --> 00:28:57.220 in Jesus' day 00:28:57.220 --> 00:28:59.140 wanted His person 00:28:59.140 --> 00:28:59.680 and His work 00:28:59.680 --> 00:29:00.820 to fit into their agendas 00:29:00.820 --> 00:29:02.200 and their expectations. 00:29:03.180 --> 00:29:03.400 Right? 00:29:03.580 --> 00:29:04.280 The people who came 00:29:04.280 --> 00:29:04.640 to Jesus 00:29:04.640 --> 00:29:05.720 on this particular day 00:29:05.720 --> 00:29:06.259 in Mark 2, 00:29:06.300 --> 00:29:07.120 18 through 22, 00:29:07.620 --> 00:29:08.500 they wanted Jesus 00:29:08.500 --> 00:29:09.480 to look just like 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:10.720 the serious religious folk 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:11.360 that they knew. 00:29:11.980 --> 00:29:12.259 Jesus, 00:29:12.440 --> 00:29:12.920 You should look 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:14.040 just like the Pharisees. 00:29:14.140 --> 00:29:14.540 You should look 00:29:14.540 --> 00:29:15.780 just like John's disciples. 00:29:16.120 --> 00:29:16.960 That's what we know. 00:29:17.279 --> 00:29:18.559 That's what we're familiar with. 00:29:18.900 --> 00:29:19.980 That's what we can control. 00:29:23.319 --> 00:29:24.100 But it wasn't going 00:29:24.100 --> 00:29:24.840 to work like that. 00:29:26.319 --> 00:29:27.759 Some of Jesus' own disciples 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:28.860 thought that Jesus' kingdom 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:29.779 was going to bring them 00:29:29.779 --> 00:29:30.460 prosperity 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:32.100 and political power. 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:33.779 Jesus, 00:29:33.940 --> 00:29:34.680 who gets to sit 00:29:34.680 --> 00:29:35.700 at your right and left hand 00:29:35.700 --> 00:29:36.140 when you enter 00:29:36.140 --> 00:29:36.740 into your kingdom? 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:39.840 But it wasn't going 00:29:39.840 --> 00:29:40.600 to work like that. 00:29:43.059 --> 00:29:43.900 How about us? 00:29:43.900 --> 00:29:47.060 Are we trying 00:29:47.060 --> 00:29:47.880 to fit Jesus 00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:49.660 into the old clothes 00:29:49.660 --> 00:29:51.200 and old wineskin 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:52.860 of our former life 00:29:52.860 --> 00:29:55.259 or of the world around us? 00:29:56.900 --> 00:29:57.860 Do we think 00:29:57.860 --> 00:29:58.500 that we can take 00:29:58.500 --> 00:29:59.360 the new wine 00:29:59.360 --> 00:30:00.940 of Jesus' person and work 00:30:00.940 --> 00:30:02.460 and fit it 00:30:02.460 --> 00:30:03.420 into the tired 00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:04.360 old agendas 00:30:04.360 --> 00:30:05.140 for money 00:30:05.140 --> 00:30:05.860 and sex 00:30:05.860 --> 00:30:06.519 and power 00:30:06.519 --> 00:30:07.360 that are so rampant 00:30:07.360 --> 00:30:08.000 around us? 00:30:10.140 --> 00:30:10.680 Are we going 00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:11.440 to try to take 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:12.060 the new wine 00:30:12.059 --> 00:30:12.859 that Jesus offers 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:13.460 and put it 00:30:13.460 --> 00:30:14.619 into the old wineskins 00:30:14.619 --> 00:30:16.359 of our post-enlightenment, 00:30:16.639 --> 00:30:17.500 late-modern, 00:30:17.879 --> 00:30:19.240 tired, anxious culture? 00:30:21.980 --> 00:30:23.220 Or are we willing 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:25.240 to become something 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:27.279 radically new? 00:30:29.440 --> 00:30:30.399 New wine 00:30:30.399 --> 00:30:32.679 is for new wineskins. 00:30:34.079 --> 00:30:34.559 Friends, 00:30:34.619 --> 00:30:34.980 the gospel 00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:36.240 is about so much more 00:30:36.240 --> 00:30:37.359 than just whether 00:30:37.359 --> 00:30:38.460 you fast or not. 00:30:39.419 --> 00:30:40.039 The gospel 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:40.819 of Jesus Christ 00:30:40.819 --> 00:30:42.179 is about so much more 00:30:42.179 --> 00:30:43.399 than just putting 00:30:43.399 --> 00:30:44.159 on a few new 00:30:44.159 --> 00:30:45.559 spiritual practices here, 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.700 doing a little bit 00:30:46.700 --> 00:30:48.139 of personal betterment there. 00:30:49.079 --> 00:30:49.399 No, 00:30:49.559 --> 00:30:50.819 Christ didn't come 00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:51.859 to tweak 00:30:51.859 --> 00:30:53.099 and to revise. 00:30:53.759 --> 00:30:55.059 He came to fulfill 00:30:55.059 --> 00:30:56.480 God's redemptive plan 00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:57.419 and to make 00:30:57.419 --> 00:30:58.619 all things new. 00:30:59.899 --> 00:31:01.000 And he wants 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:01.839 to start 00:31:01.839 --> 00:31:03.240 with you. 00:31:05.659 --> 00:31:07.139 Why did Jesus come, 00:31:07.639 --> 00:31:08.579 lay down his life, 00:31:08.579 --> 00:31:10.259 and fulfill all the types 00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:11.480 and signs of the Old Testament? 00:31:11.759 --> 00:31:12.619 Why did he come 00:31:12.619 --> 00:31:13.179 to be the true 00:31:13.179 --> 00:31:14.079 and better sacrifice, 00:31:14.639 --> 00:31:15.919 the true and better priest, 00:31:16.159 --> 00:31:17.379 the true and better temple 00:31:17.379 --> 00:31:18.740 where heaven and earth meet? 00:31:19.699 --> 00:31:20.619 Why did he come 00:31:20.619 --> 00:31:21.559 to do all this? 00:31:22.619 --> 00:31:24.539 He did it to make you new. 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.439 The apostle Paul 00:31:28.439 --> 00:31:29.220 puts it this way 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:30.859 in 2 Corinthians 5, 17, 00:31:30.859 --> 00:31:31.299 therefore, 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:32.259 if anyone 00:31:32.259 --> 00:31:33.339 is in Christ, 00:31:34.099 --> 00:31:35.359 he is a new creation. 00:31:36.199 --> 00:31:36.619 The old 00:31:36.619 --> 00:31:37.479 has passed away. 00:31:38.219 --> 00:31:38.639 Behold, 00:31:39.199 --> 00:31:39.639 the new 00:31:39.639 --> 00:31:40.240 has come. 00:31:42.159 --> 00:31:42.859 And friends, 00:31:42.939 --> 00:31:43.279 if Jesus 00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:44.079 can make you 00:31:44.079 --> 00:31:44.399 and me 00:31:44.399 --> 00:31:44.740 new, 00:31:45.439 --> 00:31:46.679 what else 00:31:46.679 --> 00:31:48.139 could he make new? 00:31:49.479 --> 00:31:50.339 If he can take 00:31:50.339 --> 00:31:51.000 your life 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:52.139 and my life 00:31:52.139 --> 00:31:52.899 and make us 00:31:52.899 --> 00:31:53.699 a new creation 00:31:53.699 --> 00:31:54.359 by the power 00:31:54.359 --> 00:31:55.139 of his spirit, 00:31:55.379 --> 00:31:56.079 if he can take 00:31:56.079 --> 00:31:56.799 the new wine 00:31:56.799 --> 00:31:57.819 of what he's done 00:31:57.819 --> 00:31:59.000 and in pouring it 00:31:59.000 --> 00:31:59.400 into us, 00:31:59.500 --> 00:32:00.480 make us a brand 00:32:00.480 --> 00:32:01.420 new wineskin, 00:32:01.880 --> 00:32:02.799 if he can take 00:32:02.799 --> 00:32:04.059 the fresh cloth 00:32:04.059 --> 00:32:05.400 of his perfect righteousness, 00:32:05.900 --> 00:32:06.920 throw it over us, 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:08.019 and suddenly we can 00:32:08.019 --> 00:32:09.000 be a new garment 00:32:09.000 --> 00:32:09.700 altogether, 00:32:10.599 --> 00:32:11.559 if he can do that 00:32:11.559 --> 00:32:12.619 for you and me, 00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:14.740 then what else 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:15.480 could he make new? 00:32:16.880 --> 00:32:17.619 Could he make 00:32:17.619 --> 00:32:18.460 our churches new? 00:32:20.619 --> 00:32:21.400 Could he make 00:32:21.400 --> 00:32:22.440 our communities, 00:32:23.099 --> 00:32:23.759 our neighborhoods 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:24.299 new? 00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:26.819 Could he renew 00:32:26.819 --> 00:32:27.440 our marriages 00:32:27.440 --> 00:32:28.740 and our friendships 00:32:28.740 --> 00:32:30.299 and our schools? 00:32:31.480 --> 00:32:32.099 Could he renew 00:32:32.099 --> 00:32:32.799 our economies 00:32:32.799 --> 00:32:34.339 and political 00:32:34.339 --> 00:32:35.000 processes 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:36.660 and the way 00:32:36.660 --> 00:32:37.460 we relate 00:32:37.460 --> 00:32:38.200 to one another 00:32:38.200 --> 00:32:39.240 on the most 00:32:39.240 --> 00:32:40.039 meta scale 00:32:40.039 --> 00:32:40.779 all the way down 00:32:40.779 --> 00:32:41.160 to the most 00:32:41.160 --> 00:32:42.099 micro scale? 00:32:43.960 --> 00:32:44.620 Could he do 00:32:44.620 --> 00:32:45.440 a work like that? 00:32:47.500 --> 00:32:48.279 He can make 00:32:48.279 --> 00:32:48.799 it all new. 00:32:50.700 --> 00:32:51.519 And one day 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:52.460 when Jesus returns, 00:32:52.579 --> 00:32:53.160 he'll make even 00:32:53.160 --> 00:32:53.839 the fabric 00:32:53.839 --> 00:32:55.180 of the material 00:32:55.180 --> 00:32:56.259 creation new 00:32:56.259 --> 00:32:57.740 and he'll 00:32:57.740 --> 00:32:58.339 liberate it 00:32:58.339 --> 00:32:59.119 from its bondage 00:32:59.119 --> 00:32:59.680 to decay. 00:33:01.480 --> 00:33:02.099 You see, 00:33:02.200 --> 00:33:02.379 friends, 00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:03.539 that's where 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:04.000 the work of 00:33:04.000 --> 00:33:04.579 Jesus Christ 00:33:04.579 --> 00:33:05.019 is headed. 00:33:06.079 --> 00:33:06.779 New wine 00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:08.119 is for fresh 00:33:08.119 --> 00:33:08.720 wineskins. 00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:11.140 Jesus won't be 00:33:11.140 --> 00:33:11.700 squeezed into 00:33:11.700 --> 00:33:12.500 our old agendas, 00:33:13.500 --> 00:33:14.420 but when we come 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:15.299 to him in repentance 00:33:15.299 --> 00:33:16.000 and faith, 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:17.480 he promises 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:19.379 not merely 00:33:19.379 --> 00:33:20.279 to reform us, 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:21.940 but to transform us, 00:33:21.940 --> 00:33:22.920 to make us new. 00:33:22.920 --> 00:33:25.200 How about you, 00:33:25.300 --> 00:33:25.500 friend? 00:33:26.800 --> 00:33:27.140 Do you want 00:33:27.140 --> 00:33:27.840 to be made new? 00:33:28.960 --> 00:33:29.900 Then come to him. 00:33:30.940 --> 00:33:31.440 Let's pray. 00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:44.980 Father in heaven, 00:33:45.060 --> 00:33:45.500 we pray 00:33:45.500 --> 00:33:46.460 that you would 00:33:46.460 --> 00:33:47.539 pour out your Holy Spirit, 00:33:49.200 --> 00:33:50.140 give us a true 00:33:50.140 --> 00:33:51.180 conviction of sin 00:33:51.180 --> 00:33:53.019 and a true vision 00:33:53.019 --> 00:33:54.180 of Christ our Lord, 00:33:55.200 --> 00:33:55.620 crucified, 00:33:56.240 --> 00:33:56.580 risen, 00:33:57.100 --> 00:33:57.480 reigning, 00:33:57.940 --> 00:33:58.779 utterly sufficient. 00:34:00.820 --> 00:34:01.759 Oh, Lord, 00:34:02.080 --> 00:34:03.120 grant us faith 00:34:03.120 --> 00:34:05.840 to be united 00:34:05.840 --> 00:34:06.320 to him 00:34:06.320 --> 00:34:08.400 and be made new. 00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:10.480 Amen.