New wine, Fresh wineskins
In Luke 5:33-39, the religious leaders criticize Jesus' disciples for not fasting like those of John the Baptist or the Pharisees. Fasting, which was intended by God as a humble expression of repentance and dependency, had become a symbol of comparison and pride. Jesus responds with a metaphor, saying that his presence is like a wedding feast, a time for celebration, not for fasting. The newness of Jesus' arrival cannot simply be patched onto the old religious systems. His message brings a new reality that requires new practices, emphasizing that his followers should not simply add him to their lives but allow him to transform them.
Accept discovery. The religious leaders made an assumption about Jesus, comparing his disciples' lack of fasting to others. However, Jesus points out that fasting is not appropriate while the bridegroom is present, signifying a time for joy and celebration. Fasting in its original form was meant for deep reflection and repentance, particularly during the Day of Atonement. Yet, over time, it became a ritual of comparison rather than humility. Jesus warns against trying to fit him into old frameworks, stressing that true faith involves not just adding him to an existing life, but undergoing a transformative change. This idea relates to syncretism, where elements of Christianity are blended with preexisting beliefs or practices, often without real transformation.
Reject discovery. Jesus uses another metaphor, saying that new wine must be put into new wineskins. The message here is that Jesus' presence cannot simply be added to an old way of life—it demands a completely new structure. Many people, however, are resistant to this change, preferring the old ways. Jesus challenges this mindset, warning against rejecting the new for the sake of comfort and familiarity. This resistance to change is often seen in the reluctance to embrace new teachings or practices that challenge old beliefs. The passage highlights the tension between staying comfortable with the “old wine” and being open to the new thing that God is doing.
Surrendering to discovery. He compares his role to a bridegroom at a wedding, symbolizing the intimate relationship between him and his followers. The union between Christ and the Church is portrayed as a deep, sacrificial love, where Jesus gives himself up for his people. This metaphor reveals the depth of God’s love, which heals, transforms, and ultimately presents the Church in splendor and purity. For believers, life with Jesus is not about religious habits or rituals but about receiving his love and surrendering to his work in our lives. The message invites us to remain open and curious, allowing ourselves to be continually surprised and transformed by God’s ongoing work.
Study Questions:
How do we sometimes treat Jesus as an addition to our lives rather than a transformative force? What might it look like to allow Jesus to reshape our lives completely?
What are some ways we might be tempted to "reject" new discoveries or teachings from Jesus because they challenge our comfort zones? How can we remain open to change?
Reflecting on the metaphor of the wedding feast, how does the relationship between Jesus and the Church change the way we view our own relationship with him?
