Jesus on fasting

Jesus on Fasting: The Power of a New Wineskin Life

Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline—but Jesus makes it clear that why we fast is just as important as the act itself.

When questioned by the disciples of John about why His followers weren’t fasting, Jesus gives an answer that lifts the conversation far above dietary habits. He introduces the idea of newness, of preparation, and of a radical break from old religion.

Let’s walk through this divine insight.


Who Is Jesus Interacting With?

  • The disciples of John the Baptist, who were sincere but still operating under old covenant rhythms.
  • The Pharisees, observing critically from the background.
  • Jesus’ own disciples, witnessing the exchange.

What Jesus Said: Matthew 9:14–17 (NASB)

14 Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “The attendants of the groom cannot mourn as long as the groom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the groom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” 16 “But no one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and a worse tear results.” 17 “Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the wine spills out, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”


The Mood of the Scene

  • Curious but cautious.
  • Reverent, yet resistant to change.
  • Jesus speaks clearly, with wisdom that invites transformation, not just explanation.

The Question About Fasting

John’s disciples ask a genuine question. They were used to fasting as an act of mourning, repentance, and expectation of the Messiah.

But Jesus’ disciples weren’t fasting—why?

Because the Messiah was already with them.

Action Step: Don’t fast out of habit. Fast to draw near to Jesus, not to earn His presence. He’s already with you—let your fasting reflect that closeness.


“You Can’t Patch the Old…”

Jesus compares their way of thinking to trying to patch old clothes with new fabric. It doesn’t work. It will tear worse.

He’s not here to reinforce old religion. He’s bringing a new way—one that requires surrender, not stitching.

Action Step: Ask God, “Am I trying to patch my old life with new beliefs?” If so, it’s time to surrender the whole garment and let Him clothe you in righteousness.


“New Wine Requires New Wineskins”

Old wineskins become brittle. They can’t hold the fermenting power of new wine.

Jesus is the new wine—full of Spirit, power, and life. But unless our hearts become new vessels, we’ll miss the move of God.

Action Step: Make space for transformation. You can’t carry fresh anointing with a rigid mindset. Let the Spirit stretch your heart.


What This Means for Us in 2025

We live in a time when old religious routines are being shaken.

Jesus is still calling His people to fast—not as a performance, but as preparation.

He is asking:

  • Are you fasting for Me or to impress others?
  • Are you ready for something fresh?
  • Will you become a vessel that can hold what I’m pouring out?

Application for Today:

  1. Fast with purpose—not out of pressure.
  2. Examine your inner “wineskin.” Are you soft and teachable?
  3. Embrace new ways God is working in your life.
  4. Don’t patch up old habits. Step into full transformation.
  5. Make your life a vessel fit for His presence.

Final Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being the Bridegroom who brings joy, not burden. Teach me to fast with revelation, not religion. Stretch my heart to receive Your new wine. I surrender the old so You can fill me with Your power and truth. I want to be made new. Amen.

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