Matthew 9:14-17
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Matthew 9:14-17 noticing that it is the disciples of John the Baptist, not members of the religious elite, who question Jesus in this passage.
John’s disciples are not misguided people. They learned from John that the Kingdom of God is near, and they committed themselves to the fiery and somewhat eccentric prophet. They also believed and acted on John’s message of repentance and turning to God. But even these well-meaning people can’t fully understand Jesus’ unconventional ways.
When Jesus is doing something new, we have to let go of our old notions of what is appropriate in order to participate with him. The old ways of expressing and living out our faith are just containers – not bad or pointless – but the more important part is what’s inside.
Take a moment to think broadly about the ways you have seen faith and worship expressed in the world over the past couple of years. Are there any expressions that make you feel uncomfortable or defensive? Knowing that Jesus will always be consistent with Scripture and with his mission to restore the world to shalom, is there any possibility that you may be witnessing Jesus doing something new? Talk openly with him about this.
Read Matthew 9:14-17 again picturing the images Jesus uses to illustrate his point.
The rituals and traditions of our faith can be comforting and can help us easily slip into God’s presence because of our familiarity with them. But when outward expressions of our faith become essential to our experience of Jesus, they become like old cloth or rigid wineskins.
In and of themselves, these practices are not bad, but if we place too much importance on them, they can become incongruent with Jesus’ movement in our lives and in the world. The fresh works of Jesus require fresh containers, and it takes the discernment of the Holy Spirit to know when Jesus is inviting us to new ways of experiencing him and living on his mission.
For the last few minutes of this meditation, get quiet and let Jesus’ message settle in your soul. If you sense Jesus saying something to you during this time, write it down and return to silence and listening.
Is it possible that Jesus is inviting you to something new today?
How will you respond to him?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
