s5e10 Mark 2:18-22

Jesus is questioned about Fasting

Observations/Questions:

• Jesus was different even from John the Baptist when it came to fasting
• Was this really God's rule about fasting? Festival reasons?
• Of what did the fasting consist?
• Why does Jesus answer questions with questions?
• Mark doesn't seem to elaborate on any meaning.
• The parable or metaphor language - wedding guests, garments, wineskins - significance?
• Did they see this as a major slap in the face coming from a Rabbi? Could this have been an honest question?
• The garment and wineskin - same metaphorical meaning?
• Is there foreshadowing of the cross here in vs 20?

Meaning:

• The way to God is not through religious observance.
• The way to God is through joyful association with Jesus (R.T. France)
• Jesus changes everything.

Application:

• Walk closer to Jesus - joy, why isn't joy a bigger factor in my life? Being a disciple requires not just following all the "rules" but being intentional about building a relationship with Jesus every day.
• Model - religious observance is about freedom, not an obligation, Jesus modeled this idea
• Praise -He's not a stuffy nor demanding Master but his yoke is light

Group Questions:

• What are some church traditions or rules that you're not sure that Jesus actually commanded us?
• When you walk away from this passage, will you feel more guilty or freer as a believer, and why?
• What was Jesus' point concerning the wedding guest? What about the garment and the wineskins?
• Explain joy in your life. What role does it play? (tough question but gut it out it will be worth it)

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