RPG Adults
NEW UPON THE OLD – NOT TIME YET!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
Luke 5:33-39
Memory verse: Luke 5:34-35
“I came not to call the righteous,
but sinners to repentance.”
NEW UPON THE OLD – NOT TIME YET!
The context of this parable begins with the question of the scribes and Pharisees, “Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?” (Luke 5:33). This was a loaded question designed to get Jesus into trouble. They deliberately pitted their disciples with the disciples of John the Baptist against the disciples of Jesus. Projecting an impression of correctness was a mixture of right and wrong. Jesus’ disciples were pitted against John’s disciples from God, whereas the disciples of the Pharisees were of men. John the Baptist was God’s forerunner in preparing the hearts of the people of Israel to receive Christ as their Lord and Saviour; hence, his ministry was one of baptism of repentance. The disciples of the Pharisees followed their oral traditions that distorted the understanding of God’s Word, resulting in salvation by doing God’s work.
Jesus could not ignore such a deadly attack. He could not contradict John, or else He would deny John’s ministry from God. Furthermore, fasting and prayers were biblical practices. Jesus had to rebuke the error of the Pharisees and, at the same time, honour the teaching of John and agree with his disciples on fasting and prayer. The answer from Christ was ingenious. Luke 5:34-35 “And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” Jesus took this opportunity to enhance His teaching even more in rightness. Jesus aimed to reveal Himself to the world that He was indeed Emmanuel i.e. God walking in their midst. When He described Himself as the bridegroom, He was emphasising His teaching that He was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament who was there and standing in front of them. After He returned to heaven, Jesus’ disciples would fast and pray, but not then! Jesus answered the question of His enemies perfectly, agreeing with John and distancing Himself from the Pharisees’ errors.
THOUGHT: From God’s Word, all believers will have Jesus’ wisdom and discernment.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see and obey Thy will in my life according to the Holy Scriptures till Christ returns. Amen.