Our paragraph topic is: (The question of fasting) Part 2.
The disciples of John the Baptist spoke with Christ about fasting. They asked him why his disciples did not fast while the Pharisees and they did fast. Instead of answering their question and telling them that his disciples did not fast because they were in the presence of the Lord, he told them that they did not fast because they could not mourn while the bridegroom was present. He told them that they could not fast until the bridegroom was taken away and then they would fast. The disciples of John did not understand that instead of mourning they should be rejoicing. Instead of being in sorrow they should be festive because they were in the presence of the Lord. John the Baptist had told them that one was coming that was even greater than he and he was not worthy to tie the straps of his sandals. The disciples of John did not understand. They were blinded. They did not see.
Christ gives them further examples of his presence by telling them another reason for not fasting. He tells them, "No one puts a patch of raw cloth on an old garment." Christ is telling them that this is why they do not understand because they are not his disciples. They are not his disciples because they are old garments. They are not his disciples because the old and the new patch will not work. They are not his disciples because a new garment is needed and not an old one. Christ lets them know the reason for the need of something new. He says, the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse rent is made."
So Christ has given them the explanation to help them understand why his disciples do not fast. He has told them that a new garment is needed instead of a patch to an old garment. He has told them that the wedding feast is taking place and his disciples are festive. His disciples are rejoicing. His disciples are merry. Christ gives them these explanations so that they may understand. Matthew gives us these statements from Christ so that we may understand. Are we going to be disciples of Christ or disciples of John the Baptist? Are we going to mourn at the wedding feast or are we going to rejoice? Are we going to be sorrowful at the wedding feast or are we going to be happy?
Like the disciples of John the Baptist, do we follow the teachings of Christ or the teachings of our leaders? John was a great prophet and a great teacher. But he pointed to the one to come. He admitted to his unworthiness and humbly showed the way to the Greater One. There are many great religious leaders in the church community today. John spoke of Christ. They speak of Christ. John had disciples. They have disciples. Christ seeks new garments today, not old ones to put a patch upon. John spoke of his decrease while Christ must increase. Our leaders today, who do they point to? Are you led to Christ through your religious leader today? Are you being created as a new garment in Christ or are you being patched over?
The disciples of John the Baptist spoke with Christ about fasting. They asked him why his disciples did not fast while the Pharisees and they did fast. Instead of answering their question and telling them that his disciples did not fast because they were in the presence of the Lord, he told them that they did not fast because they could not mourn while the bridegroom was present. He told them that they could not fast until the bridegroom was taken away and then they would fast. The disciples of John did not understand that instead of mourning they should be rejoicing. Instead of being in sorrow they should be festive because they were in the presence of the Lord. John the Baptist had told them that one was coming that was even greater than he and he was not worthy to tie the straps of his sandals. The disciples of John did not understand. They were blinded. They did not see.
Christ gives them further examples of his presence by telling them another reason for not fasting. He tells them, "No one puts a patch of raw cloth on an old garment." Christ is telling them that this is why they do not understand because they are not his disciples. They are not his disciples because they are old garments. They are not his disciples because the old and the new patch will not work. They are not his disciples because a new garment is needed and not an old one. Christ lets them know the reason for the need of something new. He says, the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse rent is made."
So Christ has given them the explanation to help them understand why his disciples do not fast. He has told them that a new garment is needed instead of a patch to an old garment. He has told them that the wedding feast is taking place and his disciples are festive. His disciples are rejoicing. His disciples are merry. Christ gives them these explanations so that they may understand. Matthew gives us these statements from Christ so that we may understand. Are we going to be disciples of Christ or disciples of John the Baptist? Are we going to mourn at the wedding feast or are we going to rejoice? Are we going to be sorrowful at the wedding feast or are we going to be happy?
Like the disciples of John the Baptist, do we follow the teachings of Christ or the teachings of our leaders? John was a great prophet and a great teacher. But he pointed to the one to come. He admitted to his unworthiness and humbly showed the way to the Greater One. There are many great religious leaders in the church community today. John spoke of Christ. They speak of Christ. John had disciples. They have disciples. Christ seeks new garments today, not old ones to put a patch upon. John spoke of his decrease while Christ must increase. Our leaders today, who do they point to? Are you led to Christ through your religious leader today? Are you being created as a new garment in Christ or are you being patched over?
