Don’t Be So Rigid

📝 Sermon Outline – Matthew 9:14-17, NKJV.

Point 1: The Purpose and Timing of Fasting (vv. 14–15a)

“Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

Explanation: In the Old Testament, fasting was a sign of mourning over sin and preparation for the coming of the Messiah (Joel 2:12–13; Daniel 9:3). It was marked by sorrow, repentance, and longing for God's deliverance. The Pharisees and John’s disciples practiced it regularly, often as an external sign of piety, to let others know they longed for the coming Messiah.

Jesus responds by identifying Himself as the Bridegroom—a clear Messianic image. Just as wedding guests do not mourn while celebrating with the groom, the disciples do not fast because the Messiah is with them. His presence brings spiritual fullness and joy, not mourning.

Key Insight: Fasting signifies spiritual longing, but when Jesus is present, that longing is satisfied. He is the Bread of Life who fills the soul. There is no need to fast when the one we were waiting for is among us.

Connection to the Second Coming: Jesus hints that after His departure, the time for fasting will return (Luke 5:35). The Church today fasts, not as the Pharisees did, but with spiritual anticipation, mourning sin, and preparing for His second coming—when the Bridegroom will return for His bride (Revelation 22:20).

Concordance Scriptures:

Joel 2:12–13 ““Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.”

Daniel 9:3 “Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.”

Luke 5:35 “But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.””

Revelation 22:20 “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

Point 2: The Bridegroom Will Be Taken Away (v. 15b)

“But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

Explanation: Jesus is prophesying His own death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. The phrase "taken away" implies a sudden and violent removal, echoing Isaiah 53:8—“He was taken from prison and from judgment.” This is the first time in Matthew's Gospel where Jesus hints at the sorrow of His coming Passion.

After His resurrection, He ascended to the Father (Acts 1:9–11). His physical absence initiated a new phase for the Church—a time to fast, not out of despair, but out of devotion, repentance, and readiness for His glorious return.

Spiritual Implication:

Fasting in the Church Age is not a legalistic act, but a spiritual discipline that reflects our longing for Jesus’ return.

We fast not because He is distant in love, but because we desire His full and visible reign.

Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, we fast as part of trimming our lamps—preparing our hearts and lives for the return of the Bridegroom.

Key Insight: The absence of Christ's physical presence is not abandonment; it is the interval between two great feasts—the Last Supper and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Until then, fasting can be a meaningful way to seek deeper fellowship with God, mourn sin, and cultivate spiritual readiness.

Concordance Scriptures:

Isaiah 53:8 – “He was taken from prison and from judgment…”

John 16:20 – “You will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.”

Acts 1:9–11 – “This same Jesus… will so come in like manner.”

Matthew 25:1–13 – “The parable of the ten virgins waiting for the Bridegroom.”

Revelation 19:7–9 – The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Point 3: The New Life in Christ Cannot Be Contained by the Old (vv. 16–17)

“No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment… Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins…”

Explanation: Jesus uses two illustrations to declare that His message of the Kingdom cannot be sewn into or poured into the old structures of the Mosaic Law and man-made traditions. The old religious system cannot contain the life, grace, and power of the new covenant.

A new patch on an old garment will shrink and tear.

New wine in old wineskins will ferment and burst the skins.

Key Insight: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not an add-on to religious ritual—it is a complete transformation. It requires new hearts, new minds, and a new identity in Christ. Those who follow Him must be made new vessels to receive the fullness of His Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Concordance Scriptures:

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Romans 7:6 “But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.”

Hebrews 8:13 “In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”

🎯 Modern Application:

Fast in the Right Spirit

Fast not out of obligation, but out of longing—for Christ’s presence, for repentance, and for readiness. Let your fasting be marked by hope and dependence on His return.

Live in Joy Because of the Resurrection

We are not left without hope. Jesus is risen and reigning. Our present joy fuels our future hope. Worship Him with confidence and expectancy.

Let Go of the Old to Embrace the New

Jesus doesn’t patch up our old life—He gives us a new one. Abandon works-based righteousness and embrace life in the Spirit. You must be a new vessel for the new wine.

📚 Conclusion

Jesus revealed that He is the Bridegroom, bringing joy and fullness to those who believe in Him. While He was with His disciples, fasting gave way to celebration. But now, during this season of waiting, we fast with hope and longing. His life, death, resurrection, and ascension made a way for all things to be made new. The question is: Are we ready for the new wine? Are we preparing our hearts for His return?

🙌 Benediction

“Now may the God of peace sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Go forth in joy, live in newness, and fast with hope, for the Bridegroom will return. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)