“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17 NLT
You may have heard the saying, ‘Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship.’ Having embraced that quote, I have use it often in conversations with others in explaining the difference between Christianity and the many religions in the world throughout history. Christianity is not a set of rules and observances that must be followed in order to become a Christian. Christianity is a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus says in the gospel of Matthew, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt.11:28-30 esv) Jesus was addressing those who were burdened with their sin, trying to find peace and rest obeying the Law, and realizing it was not possible through a set of rituals.
One such observance was fasting. Fasting was common among the Jews in Jesus’ day. The Day of Atonement was an annual Scriptural fast that was observed. Other fasts have been added over time to include a fast every Monday and Thursday. These fasts had been observed by the Pharisees and by John the Baptist’s disciples. They asked Jesus why His disciples did not participate in these fasts. Jesus takes this opportunity to note that the Kingdom has arrived. His disciples cannot fast while Jesus is with them. They will fast one day when Jesus is not physically with them, but not in the same way. Jesus did not come to add to the Law, as one would sew a piece of new cloth on a garment, but he came to fulfill the Law.
Today, as well, there are those who feel they need to adhere to a set of rules of a particular religion, even Christianity, to acquire peace and an eternal home. The Pharisees, teachers of the Law, felt the same way. Jesus says that is not true. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins.” (Mt.9:17a nlt) As Jesus explained to John’s disciples and the Pharisees, the new covenant and the Law are not compatible. “New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” (Mt.9:17b nlt)
Have you been trying to live up to the standards of a certain religion only to find out that it is impossible? You have been pursing to obey the Ten Commandments and have found that to be impossible as well? Christianity is not a religion of works, but a relationship with Jesus Christ through faith in Him. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph.2:8-9 esv) What is it you are pursing, a religion, or a relationship?
