Mark, The Gospel of Passion “Your Disciples Do Not Fast?” Mark 2:18-22

SIGNS OF THE TIMES  COMPARISON,  CONFORMITY (Romans 12:1,2);  CENSORING,  CONDEMNING

A Word for Today:  Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

THE DISCIPLES OF JOHN: (Cause Related) THE DISCIPLES OF JOHN: (Cause Related)  Their leader was in prison:  They were influenced by the teachings of the Pharisee’s  Perhaps fasting in anticipation of the New Messianic Age

THE DISCIPLES OF THE PHARISEES: (Confined to old patterns)  Matthew 6: "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS: (Concept Driven)  Wedding Celebration Why would one fast at a : 19,20)  Wedding Celebration Why would one fast at a one: 19,20)  Worn Out clothing : Patching an old garment with a new cloth is just as inappropriate  Wineskins : new wine (Jesus’ concept) Old Wineskins (Pharisees) were brittle; no longer pliable;

These are all symbols of the New Age of Christ’s message;  (1) Spiritual disciplines have a purpose and a place.  (2) New methods are not always easily attached to old ways.  (3) Everything can be lost if the new is forced into the old;