The Presence of Christ Demands New Wine Fasting

Matthew 9: 14-17 (NRSVUE)

November 2, 2025

Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “The wedding attendants cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are ruined, but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

Earlier in the year I preached this text from the gospel of Luke. Today’s sermon topic is the Presence of Christ Demands New Wineskin Fasting. The concept of fasting is deeply rooted in religious practice as a means to seek God's guidance, especially in times of hardship, need, challenge, affliction, or concern. In Matthew 9:14-17, a pivotal moment occurs when John’s disciples approach Jesus with a question about fasting, aligning themselves with the Pharisees. They wonder why Jesus’ disciples do not fast, as fasting was traditionally seen as preparation for spiritual blessings. Jesus’ response shifts the paradigm, emphasizing that the blessings are now present with the coming of the kingdom. Jesus responds by likening himself to a bridegroom, a metaphor familiar in Jewish tradition, symbolizing God’s relationship with His people. He asks, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?” This indicates that fasting is associated with mourning and longing—practices appropriate only in the absence of the bridegroom. The presence of Jesus, the Messiah, initiates a time of celebration and rejoicing, much like a wedding feast, making fasting unnecessary during his earthly ministry. Emmanuel was with them. The disciples are referred to as “guests” or companions of the bridegroom, and Jesus’ statement foreshadows his eventual departure—the time when his followers will fast once again. The Greek term "apairō" (to take from) subtly hints at a violent removal, referencing Jesus’ crucifixion, after which fasting and mourning become appropriate, though only temporarily. Just as we mourn the loss of a loved one. But there will be rejoicing in glory when all the saints get together and worship at the throne of God. Jesus uses two vivid illustrations to reinforce the incompatibility between the old and new spiritual realities: the patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment and the pouring of new wine into old wineskins. Both images highlight that new circumstances—the arrival of the kingdom of God through Jesus—require new practices. Just as an unshrunk patch will tear an old garment, and new wine will burst old wineskins, so too do the old forms of fasting fail to fit the new reality inaugurated by Christ. The “new wine” represents the joy and fulfillment found in Christ’s presence, which cannot be contained by outdated practices or mindsets. The conclusion of the parable emphasizes that both the wine and the wineskins must be new to be preserved, underscoring the need for transformation in spiritual practices which demands new wineskin fasting. This teaching prompts the church to reflect on whether their lives and ministries convey the joy and vitality of salvation or instead communicate a judgmental spirit. As the gospel message remains unchanged, there is a call to continually evaluate and renew methods of evangelism, preaching, the way of worship, and church growth to effectively minister to each new generation. Jesus’ illustration makes clear that fasting, in his day, was an expression of mourning and desperation, usually in response to sin or danger. With the advent of the Christ, such mourning is replaced by joy, for the long-awaited Bridegroom is present. The absence of fasting among Jesus’ disciples was a testimony to the reality of God dwelling among them. He is with us! Ps. 30: 11 “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” The transition to new fasting is when Jesus acknowledges that there will come a time when the Bridegroom is “taken away,” and then His followers will fast. This refers to the period after his ascension, when believers experience an ache and longing for Christ’s fuller presence. Paul echoes this sentiment in 2 Corinthians 5:8, expressing a yearning to be “at home with the Lord.” In this age, fasting becomes an expression of that homesickness and desire for the consummation of Christ’s presence. The patch of unshrunk cloth and the new wine symbolize the new reality brought by Jesus—the inaugurated kingdom of God. The old wineskin, in context, represents traditional forms of fasting inherited from the Old Testament and Jewish practices. These old forms are insufficient to contain the new spiritual reality. If anyone is in Christ, we are a new creation : The old has gone, the new is here! Jesus teaches that new wine demands new wineskins. When you become intoxicated by the new wine of the Holy Spirit, there is a new style of living way, a new way of serving, a new wineskin fasting. Lord, fill my cup, Lord! Fill it up with the kind of fasting that the Lord requires. The true fast that God desires is not merely an external act of abstaining from food but a profound expression of repentance, justice, and compassion. The prophet Isaiah 58: 6-7 conveys God's message that true fasting transcends ritualistic practices. It is an active pursuit of peace, righteousness, and mercy. The fast that pleases God involves liberating those who are bound by injustice, feeding the hungry, providing shelter to the homeless, and clothing the naked. New wineskin fasting should lead to tangible acts of love and grace, by providing services like SNAP, healthcare, and living wage in all we do to reflect God's character and His concern for the marginalized. This passage teaches us 1) that to be with Jesus is joy. Period. Those who walk with Christ walk in radiant joy. He walks with me and talks with me and tells me that I am His own and the joy we share. The great joy of walking with Jesus in relationship will make you more eager to align your life to the His will, His way and His word. Not only does the text teaches us about the joy of being with Jesus, it also 2) tells us that joy does not last always. We will have some cloudy days. But, God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. John's disciples were filled with sorrow because he was in prison. But Jesus’ disciples time of sorrow would eventually come. In life we will have joy and sorrow.  Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that; There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Even our dearest relationships will someday come to an end. There is only the joy of heaven which lasts forever and if we have it in our hearts nothing can take it away. 3) Finally, there is a profound insight about the joy of following Christ and the expected suffering of carrying our cross. Are you ready for both? We get a glimpse of the courage of Jesus and to hear what was on his mind. Coming to the end of his earthly ministry, He saw the cross before him. He knew for him the way of life was the way of the cross. He knew God's way would cost him his life and yet he willingly offers Himself up as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The crossroad of joy and sorrow! He died a sorrowful death that we might joyfully live! He suffered so that we could be delivered from afflictions. He endured being beaten; so that we would experience the joy of healing. He was pierced in the side so that we would not of the pain of dying but the joy of redemption. Shout glory! Conclusion: The central act of salvation is now completed through the blood of Jesus. Because of this, nothing can remain the same. The new wine calls for new fasting—a practice that is now rooted in the joy and fulfillment of Christ’s finished work. It is finished! The new fasting is grounded in the mystery of a miracle that the Bridegroom has already come through a virgin by the Spirit. He was crucified, buried, but three days later He rose again. It was a sorrowful Friday, but a joyful Sunday. Glory hallelujah! It is not merely a longing for a future promise, but our response to the finished work of Christ—the wine is new, the blood is shed, the Lamb is slain, death is defeated, and the Spirit is sent. The intensity of new fasting arises from having tasted the goodness of Christ’s presence and longing for its full consummation. Ps. 27: 13 “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” Our yearning is based on the reality of what Jesus has already accomplished on the cross and through the resurrection. The fullness we seek and fast for has appeared and now we anticipate its ultimate realization. Ps. 27: 4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. We remember the blood He shed. We remember His love for us that today demands new wineskin fasting. For in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures evermore. Amen.