Kevin F

1. Does Jesus speak against fasting in this passage? What does he teach about fasting, if anything, in this passage? -- He doesnt speak against fasting. Jesus is making a point for the Pharisees and his followers that He is going to do things differently. His teachings are different than the Pharisee rules, His purpose is different. You dont have to follow the traditional legalistic/harsh rules that the Pharisees taught because thats not how Jesus wants to do things. So I think He is using fasting to show that His followers dont have to conform to any rules while He is with them. Eventually, when He is gone, they will go back to fasting in order to be close to Jesus. Thats the whole point of fasting also, to be close to God and rely on Him. Not to follow strict rules, every Mon and Thurs, like Pharisees. Jesus is getting at the heart of the Pharisees teaching, and implying that He is God, so his followers dont need to fast to be close to Him while he is already so close to them. 2. What are the structures in our lives and society that are incompatible with the Life of the Spirit in our lives? -- Rules, fitting in, we make time to pray and read, which "wastes time" in others eyes. (Could be doing something for your career, hobby, etc). 3. Please share a struggle you had with trying to contain the Life of Christ in an "old wineskin"? Some of your brothers and sisters may understand the concept better if you'll share personally in your discussion group. -- Praying, seeking, reading everyday, but not giving up control and trying to do things my way. Essentially asking God to help me, but when push comes to shove, I back away and am not willing to do what I feel God is calling me to do.