Summary:
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
Verses 14-17
John's disciples asked Jesus why they and the Pharisees fasted, but His disciples did not. Jesus asked them how the guests of the bridegroom could mourn if he was in their presence? There'd be a time when the bridegroom would be taken from them; then they'd fast. He said that no one sews a new patch on an old garment, because it will shrink and pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. No one pours new wine into old wineskins, because they will burst. The wine will be spilled and the wineskins will be ruined. One should pour new wine into new wineskins and both will be preserved.
Lori's Thoughts:
As I mentioned in II Chronicles 20, we can rejoice now, knowing that the spiritual battle between God and Satan has been won by our heavenly Father. It will be carried out to completion. Similarly, when Jesus was on earth, fasting was not needed. The disciples basked in the light of Jesus.
I believe fasting is needed to purify ourselves to help us hear God more clearly. (See Acts 13:1-3) We do this while Christ is in heaven.
I think the two examples of the old and new being incompatible are symbols of the old and new covenant. Both cannot co-exist. Christ died and conquered sin once and for all. If we continue making guilt offerings instead of seeking forgiveness and sanctification from God, we negate the need for Jesus Christ, thus rejecting His salvation. We cannot save or change ourselves without Him. So, let Him renew our hearts and minds, so that we can accept His new covenant.
Summary...
A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman
Verses 18-26
As Jesus was speaking, a ruler knelt before Him and told Him that his daughter had just died, but would live if Jesus put His hand on her. Jesus and His disciples went with the ruler.
A woman that had been bleeding for 12 years came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of His cloak. She had thought that this simple act would heal her. Jesus turned and saw her. He told her to take heart, calling her His daughter. He said that her faith had healed her and she was healed at that moment.
When Jesus arrived at the ruler's house, there were flute players and a noisy crowd. Jesus sent them away, because the girl was asleep, not dead. They laughed at Him and were put outside. Jesus grabbed the girl's hand and she got up. The news of this spread throughout the whole region.
Lori's Thoughts...
Jesus was revolutionary. He redefined death for us. Real death is spiritual; it is separation from God. Physical death isn't what we should fear, because the Lord can do a "180" on that one. When He returns, we who have accepted Him will arise at His trumpet call. (See I Thessalonians 4:16-17)
The crowd mocked Jesus for speaking nonsense. Just because it makes no sense to us, it doesn't mean that it makes no sense to God. He sees all. We see very little in comparison. The mockers were shut up when Jesus proved His Word to be true. The crowd then switched gears and spread the news of Christ's miracles.
I wonder what the difference was between this crowd and the ruler. The ruler didn't need proof of Jesus' power. He had heard of Jesus' work and believed that He could save his little girl. Imagine if he had stayed with the mourners, supposedly 'knowing' that physical death was the end. This is why it is vital for us to be connected with God and not let people define our faith for us. All humans are subject to error. The devil can deceive humans, but not God. Be connected to the Source.
In the midst of this story, where a ruler submitted himself to Christ's authority, a side story slips in. However, this is a story of one of the greatest acts of faith in history. This woman, with a 12-year-old problem, had such great faith, that she stopped Jesus in His tracks. If I had this problem, it would have started at age 14. I probably would have believed that it would last for the rest of my life. The woman probably did too. She had resigned herself to being unclean and unwanted. Forget the prospects of marriage or income or happiness. But, she had faith like a mustard seed. She heard about the Healer Jesus and, despite her years of suffering, she had hope. What could she lose? She did not desire attention, so she snuck in, believing that a touch of His clothes would be enough.
Her faith healed her. Her faith was as powerful as Jesus' words. Jesus didn't need to tell her to be healed. I believe her physical body was healed by the touch. Jesus healed her spirit by His word. She was probably scared by the power she felt when healed. She probably feared being reprimanded by Jesus. But, Jesus let her know she was accepted by calling her daughter. He let her know that her faith was a good thing and that is why she was now whole.
Imagine how completely different her life was from then on.
Everyone: we are not truly alive until Jesus becomes part of our lives! People go through life trying to forget their problems. Jesus enables us to face and conquer them. We cannot do this without Him. Seek Him by studying His Word and speaking to Him. Our resources are readily available. Do not settle for suffering. Don't survive; live!
This story strikes a chord in my heart. I suffered from depression for 21 years. I thought I'd always have it. Most others thought it was just my personality. My sister, Marianne, did not accept this mediocre version of myself. I heard a sermon about asking for miracles. Because we have little faith, we ask God for little things. So, I asked to wake up and be depression-free for the rest of my life. I haven't been depressed since then. My vision is clearer and I am more awake than I have ever been. We can ask God for big things and have faith that He wants us to thrive!
So, these aren't just stories in the Bible. They are messages of hope that apply to us today!
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