Luke 5:33-39 - Fasting

5:33-35

Fasting was an important part of Jewish practise, and was part of the Law. John’s disciples seemed to be fairly ascetic, as were the disciples of the Pharisees. However, Jesus’ disciples seemed to be having a party (relatively speaking)!

Jesus’ response is very interesting. He is clearly referring to Himself as the bridegroom. Moreover, the bridegroom analogy is not one used in the Old Testament, though there are allusions to God being a husband to Israel (often in the context of Israel's unfaithfulness). Something new was happening now Jesus was here. Jesus was not a mere continuation of the Old Testament, but the fulfilment of prophecies.

However, this did not mean a permanent end to fasting. A time would come when fasting was appropriate again. As to why fasting was not appropriate then, let’s ask ourselves this question. What would they fast for? God Himself was with them, He could teach them directly, He could look after them directly. What would they have fasted for?

5:36-39

Something new was happening and the Pharisees needed to realise this. Jesus had not come to patch up the old system. Tearing a piece of a new garment to patch up an old garment would have been foolish. It would have spoiled the new garment, and when it shrank after washing it would have further damaged the old garment as well.  If new wine was put into an old wineskin it would burst. The old wineskin would have become inelastic, and the new wine would have fermented, thus bursting the old wineskin. Something new was happening. People’s sins were going to be paid for once for all, the Holy Spirit was going to be given to those who believe, they were going to be born again. The old sacrificial system had served its purpose but would soon be obsolete, as Hebrews so carefully explains.

The Pharisees were so steeped in the Old Testament that they could not see the need for anything better.