King Jesus and the Queen City
In Matthew 9:14-17, a group of disciples came and asked Jesus why he and his disciples were not fasting. Jesus, being the perfect teacher, begins to share three examples to help them see who He is.

The wedding – “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Jesus is letting them know that He is God! (Hosea 2:19-20, Isaiah 62:5). When Jesus was here, there was no need to fast. It is appropriate now while we are waiting for His return.

The garment – “No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made.” Jesus is letting them see that He did not come to patch up a broken system of laws that God gave to Moses. Instead, He is showing them that He is giving them a whole new paradigm to work in.

The new wine skins – “Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” New wine skins are soft and supple. They can handle the new wine with its fermenting and gases. Jesus again is letting them see that He did not come to improve the old. It’s a new way…

The message never changes, but the methods must change to continue to reach the culture with the gospel message! Remember, the methods are not about you. We each must do our part as a piece of God’s grand story.

To discuss as a family today
1. In what ways have the methods of sharing the gospel changed during your lifetime? How do you react to those changes in the flesh? in the Spirit?

2. In what ways are you a part of God’s story?

3. Pick a meal or a day to fast. During your fast, seek the tender, sweet presence of the Father and dwell in His presence. Don’t ask for anything, just rest in Him.

Prayer
Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus who teaches me through His life. I want to feast on the Word and your presence for my nourishment. I confess that many times I let ________ get in the way of dwelling with you. Lord, I want to be a difference maker with my life. Help me see how to do my part in your grand story. Many times I let my flesh and preferences get in the way of the advancement of your Good News. Please forgive me when I make your story more about me than you. Thank you for your willingness and plan to use me!