The "Not Fasting" Controversy
- by: Pastor Lincoln Loney
- Sep 13, 2009
- Series: The Book of Luke
Jesus Is the Savior of the Unclean Sinner.
New wine must be poured into new wineskins. Luke 5:38
In Luke 5 and 6 Jesus emerges as a controversial figure.
- Who are you to forgive sins?
- Why do you associate with sinners?
- Why don’t you fast?
- Why do you work on the Sabbath?
- Why do you heal on the Sabbath?
Jesus has been, is, and will always be a controversial figure, and by choosing to follow Him you will come under fire.
Luke 5:33-39
Luke 5:33 The Question:
Why do others fast and pray but not your disciples? (Why aren’t you doing it our way?)
- The way of the Pharisees is religion: I obey and therefore I’m accepted by God.
- The way of Jesus is the gospel: I’m accepted on the basis of what Jesus Christ has done on my behalf and therefore I obey.
Luke 5:34-35 The Reply:
A wedding feast is not a proper place for mourning!
Jesus, the bridegroom, is in your midst.
The Christological Implication – Jesus is God!
Luke 5:36-39 Three Parables:
- Garments and Patches – Does it make sense to tear a new garment to patch an old one? No!
- Wines and Wineskins – Does it make sense to pour new wine into old wineskins, ruining both? No!
- A Preference for the Old Wine – Does it make sense to refuse the new wine because you are content with the old. No!
- Jesus is not a new patch you can add to your old life.
- Jesus brings a new life that is incompatible with your old life.
- When you settle for lesser things you miss out on the better things God has for you.
