Study 6 - Jesus sets you free
You can click on this link to see the text in an online Bible window (HINT - You can either close the Bible window or minimise it when you have finished reading and then you will see this page again!)
Fasting means going without anything that is legitimate in order to seek God. There is definitely a time to fast, usually when you are in trouble or in need of something important. But Jesus asks why would anyone fast when the bridegroom (Jesus) is present?
Christians should not be miserable but should learn the secret of being content in any and every situation, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (see Philippians 4: 11-13). They should enjoy God and all His gifts, "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4).
A new way
The old wine-skins are the old ways of trying to come to God. There is no need to try to come to God in the old ways. They are breaking anyway because it is impossible for us to keep the ten commandments and to be perfect as the old ways demand. But Jesus has brought a new (and only) way to enjoy God and that is through knowing him.
"Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work." (Exodus 20: 8-11).
Now the Pharisees (the people into religion) felt Jesus' disciples were breaking this law. Jesus immediately answers their question by explaining the law more fully than they had ever understood. God made these rules for our own good. He (the Son of Man) is the Lord of the Sabbath - in other words as the law-giver He always knows best. To prove this Jesus goes on to heal on the Sabbath itself showing how foolish religion becomes without Him. Without Him all you have is impossible rules.
How important it is to remember God is not being mean when He gives us laws but they are for our own good. Christianity is not a list of rules for us to keep but a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He sets us free to obey Him as our saviour and Lord. It is a relationship of love. We obey because we love Him.
There is a big difference between thinking you are right with God and being right with God. Verse 6 shows how strongly some people oppose God when He shows them what they are really like.
Time to think
- Why has God given us laws?
- What reasons do you have of being joyful?
If you have any questions during or after completing this study please email Us