Scripture: Mark 2:18–22 (NASB)
John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “While the groom is with them, the attendants of the groom cannot fast, can they? As long as they have the groom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come when the groom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear results. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.”
Audience of the Gospel of Mark
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is questioned by the religious leaders about fasting. Mark writes to a Roman audience immersed in performance and ritual. His readers needed to understand that following Jesus isn’t about religious routines—it’s about new life. This moment highlights Jesus ushering in something entirely new, not simply adding to the old.
Key Focus and Character of Jesus
Jesus is revealed as the Bridegroom—One who brings joy, not burden. His focus isn’t rule-following but relational intimacy. His character here is joy-bringing, forward-thinking, and disruptive in the best way.
Person/People Jesus Interacted With
- Disciples of John the Baptist and Pharisees—those accustomed to strict religious discipline.
- Jesus’ own disciples, who weren’t participating in fasting.
What Happened?
The religious crowd notices that Jesus’ followers aren’t fasting like other devout groups. They question His methods. Jesus responds by painting three vivid metaphors:
- The Wedding Feast – He compares Himself to the groom, and fasting during a wedding is inappropriate.
- The New Patch on Old Garment – A mismatch leads to ruin.
- New Wine in Old Wineskins – A new message requires a new container.
Jesus is saying: “You can’t fit the joy, freedom, and power of the gospel into old religious structures.”
Mood of the Moment
There’s tension. Curiosity meets confrontation. Jesus answers not defensively, but creatively—reframing their paradigm entirely.
What Jesus Said
“While the groom is with them, the attendants of the groom cannot fast, can they?”
“No one puts new wine into old wineskins.”
These statements dismantle religious rigidity and elevate the relationship.
Response of Others
- The questioners likely walked away puzzled or challenged.
- The disciples witnessed Jesus defending their freedom with wisdom.
- The crowd would have seen the clash between religion and Jesus’ new way.
Lesson for Us in 2026
- Jesus brings joy, not merely discipline; religion without relationship leads to burnout. Following Jesus means living in joy.
- You can’t force Jesus into old patterns – If you’re trying to fit new life into outdated systems (traditions, beliefs, habits), it won’t work.
- Let your faith be flexible and fresh – Like new wineskins, we must be adaptable to the Spirit’s movement and growth in our lives.
Jesus didn’t come to patch religion—He came to make us new.
