June 4, 2023, Mark 2:18-22, "The Gospel Of Jesus Is Unique and Pure" (Full)

[Jesus rebuked.]
Mark 2:18

Mark 2:18-22, the Pharisees see Jesus eating with His disciples, instead of fasting
Mark 2:13-17, recall that Jesus is celebrating with Levi (Matthew)

. 'The Scroll of Fasting' from the Pharisees, added to the Old Testament, concerning the Sabbath:
.. limits the number of footsteps a person may allowed to take on the Sabbath
.. gives additional instructions about fasting: every Monday and Thursday requires fasting
.. mentions other fasting rituals

. 'be not as the hypocrites'
. 'Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.'
Matthew 6:2, old Jewish law: strict laws on alms and offerings, but Jesus tells His disciples to give alms and offerings without the aim to please men
Matthew 6:5, old Jewish law: prayer was mandated at certain times of the day, but Jesus tells His disciples to pray without the aim to please men
Matthew 6:16, old Jewish law: strict laws on fasting, but Jesus tells His disciples that if they fast, do not do it to please men
. worship is NOT meant to be a ritual; worship is a personal relationship between God and the worshiper

[Jesus corrects His accusers.]
Mark 2:19, is it right for people to attend a wedding, but fast while the bridegroom is present?
. fasting is prohibited on weddings
. Jesus is the bridegroom (the bride is the Church)

Mark 2:20, first reference in Gospel according to Mark, to Jesus' death on the cross, after which there will be fasting for momentary grief and also for wisdom and courage to continue on

Mark 2:20, Jesus dwelt (in the flesh) among people for 30+3 years (God among us), was physically taken away, resurrected and ascended, and then the helper was sent

[Jesus explains the Gospel's purity.]
Book of Acts, the growth of the Church and also the spiritual battle against it (both to outright destroy and to stealthily pollute and undermine)

Mark 2:21, it makes no sense to put the (new) Gospel into the old rituals, just like an old hole will still continue to tear (even around a new patch that was sown onto it)
. the truth of Jesus Christ will never be held captive by man's beliefs and inventions
. the wheat shall be separated from the chaff

Mark 2:22, it makes no sense to REUSE an old wine skin
. wine skins were made from the skin of a goat's neck
. as the wine fermented in the wine skin, the wine skin would expand
. at the end of the process, the wine skin would be disposed

Mark 2:22, new wine must be put into new wine skins; the Christian Gospel cannot be poured into the old rituals or any kind of religion or cult- it stands alone, for it alone is the truth

[greeting]
Psalm 95:1-7

[songselect.ccli.com songs]
83253, Come Christians Join To Sing
55377, The Church's One Foundation
487976, You're Worthy Of My Praise
2245023, What A Mighty God We Serve
16206, The Savior Is Waiting