65. Out With The Old, In With The New

Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39, & 2Corinthians 5:17

Key Verse: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 

2 Corinthians 5:17

Has Christ made a difference in your worship?  There was something different about Jesus and His disciples.  They didn't worship the way that other religious people did.  It was different enough that it was noticed by others. 

The disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees, took their religious observances seriously.  They fasted and prayed and grieved over the sad state of affairs.  They honored the traditions that had been passed on for many generations in an attempt to keep themselves pure and to please God. 

In contrast, Jesus' disciples seemed to be having a party.  They ate and drank without a care in the world.  The observers, including the disciples of John and the Pharisees were incredulous.  They wanted to know "WHY!"

"Why?" Perhaps Jesus showed mock surprise here with a lifted eyebrow and, perhaps a slight twinkle of a mischievous grin.  He knew what the buzz was about.  He knew what the old way was.  He knew what man had done with worship, which was not exactly what the creator had intended.  God's intention had always been that worship would be a heart issue, but man had made it a list of rules, dos and don'ts.  Who could truly love that way?  He knew what was expected of the truly pious by the religious!  Yet, he turns the question back on the observer.  "Why should my disciples be sad while the bridegroom is with them?"

"Bridegroom?  What Bridegroom?  Jesus, are you betrothed?  To whom?"  No one would understand what He was referring to here.  The Church, Jesus’ bride, had not yet been born.  He would leave, and she would be created.  For Him, she would bring about a new way.  She would be sad while awaiting His return to her, yet, within her, a new form of worship would be created.  This form of worship could not be poured into the old forms of religion with its rules and regulations.  It would be led by the Holy Spirit.  It would be freeing.  If you simply tried to attach it to the old ways, both would end up being ruined.  If you tried to hold it in old containers, it would burst the old and spill the new. 

In Christ, we are made a new creation that can contain the new way.  Through the Holy Spirit, a way of worship will come.  This worship will be led by God's Spirit, and His truth, which is what God desires for all of us. 

If you are in Christ, you are part of that new creation.  Put away the old ways.  They cannot contain the new.  The old traditions are no longer enough.  The new has come.  Seek His way and rejoice, for the bridegroom is with you. 

Hymn: "The Church's One Foundation"