The new way of Jesus

READ: Joshua 9, 10; Psalm 98; Luke 5:17-39

SCRIPTURE: Luke 5: 38 No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.
39 And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.’”

OBSERVATION: When we look at the context of Luke 5:38, 39, we see the questions and and doubts that were raised against Jesus and his disciples. Against the common Jewish practice of that times, Jesus dined with sinners and tax-collectors. Pharisees called Jesus as a friend of sinners. They raise questions concerning the practice of Jesus' disciples about fasting and prayer as compared to the disciples of John and the Pharisees. John lived an ascetic life with simple food (Mt.3:4). His disciples may had learned about fasting from him, as an act of repentance. Moreover, John was in prison. So his disciples may had fasted for his release. Pharisees practiced a strict religious life with a list of so many do's and don'ts . This includes regular fasting (Lk.18:12). In the Pentateuch, We read about many festivals in the law of Moses. Israelites were not commanded to fast regularly, except on the day of atonement (Lev.16:29). Here, did Jesus say anything against fasting? NO. In fact, he himself fasted (Matthew 4), in his Sermon on the Mount he spoke about the spiritual benefit of voluntary fasting (Matthew 6). The major difference between Jesus' ministry and others was, Jesus preached a new way of living that embraced all and gave hope to those who accept him, irrespective of their background. The way he chose his disciples, his love for sinners and tax collectors, and his teaching were completely different from the customs of those days. Pharisees and the disciples of John did not understand it. So, Jesus explained the newness of his teaching and ministry with a double parable. The Gospel of Jesus offers a fresh vision for our life. We should not try to mix it with our old customs. Unlike the Pharisees who were not ready to change their perception, we need to be open-minded to accept the teaching of Jesus, and to live accordingly.

APPLICATION: Jesus wants me to have a fresh look of my life. He wants to change the way I look others. Instead of  judging others, I need to show Christ's love to all.  I should not hesitate to go near the people who are hated by society. They too need God's love and the Gospel. I should be ready to follow Jesus and his footsteps, not the customs of the world. 

PRAYER: Jesus, though you hated sins and lived a holy life on the earth, you were a friend of sinners, gave them opportunity to come to God, and transformed their life. You have changed me in many things. However, as a child of God, I need to become like you.  Help me to live and to speak just like you. Help me to lead the new life of following you everyday. Amen. 

- Arputharaj Samuel
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