사귐의 소리 2025

<사귐의 소리> 블로그 사용 방법

Mark 2:18-22 “The New Has Come”

—

4–6 minutes

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

The Jewish people considered fasting one of the most important signs of devotion. They fasted during times of repentance, mourning, or crisis, praying with fasting. Devout individuals even set specific times to fast regularly. The Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist practiced this (verse 18). Since fasting was viewed as a measure of one’s faith, people often made it obvious when they fasted. However, Jesus taught that fasting should be done privately, without drawing attention (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus and his disciples also fasted, but they never made a show of it. To others, it seemed like Jesus was always sharing meals and enjoying fellowship with others. This behavior seemed unusual to the people, and they asked Him about it.

Jesus explained that the feast he offers is like a wedding banquet, and he is like the bridegroom (verse 19). The banquet held at Levi’s house was also a celebration of God’s kingdom—a time to proclaim, give thanks, and rejoice. The meals Jesus shared were an opportunity to experience what God’s kingdom is like. Then Jesus added, “But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and on that day, they will fast” (verse 20). Here, Jesus gave his first hint about his death. Though he proclaimed and revealed the kingdom of God, he would later be taken to the cross to bear the sins of humanity. On that day, his followers would mourn and fast.

Then Jesus shared two parables. No one uses a new patch of cloth to mend an old garment. If they do, the new cloth will shrink and tear the old garment, making both unusable (verse 21). Similarly, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. The fermentation process of new wine is too strong, and it will cause the old wineskins to burst (verse 22). When something new arrives, the old must be set aside, no matter how familiar or cherished it may be.

Meditation:

Jesus’ words and actions caused thoughtful people to wrestle with confusion. He repeatedly challenged and disrupted their understanding of Judaism. He declared forgiveness of sins to a paralyzed man (forgiving sins was something only God could do), and He openly ate with tax collectors and sinners in front of the Pharisees and religious leaders (something a holy person was not supposed to do). Furthermore, Jesus showed no outward signs of fasting, a practice that devout Jews regularly observed. In some ways, He appeared incredibly holy and faithful, but in other ways, He seemed like a radical who broke all their religious taboos. From the perspective of their traditional Jewish beliefs, Jesus was utterly confusing.

Jesus’ answers to their questions only raised more confusion. What did he mean when he said that the wedding guests don’t need to fast while the bridegroom is with them? And what did he mean by saying that the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away, and they will fast? These words must have left people scratching their heads in frustration. Even the disciples likely didn’t fully understand what Jesus was saying at the time.

The meaning of Jesus’ words and actions became clear only after he was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. Jesus Christ is like a new piece of unshrunk cloth and freshly made wine—completely new and unlike anything before. From the perspective of the old Jewish traditions, his words and actions seemed incomprehensible. Jesus came to bring a new way of faith, a new spiritual life, and a new relationship with God. Until this truth was fully revealed, people couldn’t help but misunderstand, distort, or reject him.

Prayer:

Lord, sometimes I wonder how amazing it must have been for the disciples to see you in person. They had the privilege of looking into your eyes and hearing your voice directly. But as I reflect on it, I realize that we are in an even more blessed position when it comes to truly believing in you. We know about your sacrifice on the cross, your resurrection, your ascension, and your promise to return. With this faith, when we read your words and see what you did, we can fully recognize that you are the Son of God who came to save us. You cannot be explained by anything from the past—you are entirely new and unlike anyone else. Oh Lord, we praise your glory and majesty. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

  • For Preschool-Elementary
    • Why do you think the people were confused about why Jesus wasn’t fasting?
    • How can we celebrate Jesus in our daily lives?
    • Jesus came to bring new things into our lives. What new and good things do you think Jesus wants for you?
  • For Middle School
    • What did Jesus mean when He said, “New wine needs new wineskins”? Why do you think some people had a hard time accepting Jesus’ message?
    • What is one way you can live differently because of what Jesus has done for you?
  • For High School
    • Why did Jesus’ actions—like not fasting in the usual way—make some people uncomfortable?
    • What old ways of thinking or living might Jesus be asking you to change or leave behind?
    • How can you embrace the new life Jesus offers and help others see the beauty of following him?
  • Family Discussion Question:
    • In what ways can our family make room for Jesus to bring something new and fresh into our lives?

Leave a comment