Wineskins
Unexpected Challenge
In Matthew Chapter 9, Jesus Christ is confronted with a curious criticism. The disciples of John were bothered by the fact that Jesus’ own disciples were not engaging in fasting (Mat. 9:14-17). This confrontation teaches many things concerning the purpose of Jesus’ ministry, His attitude toward the traditions of the Pharisees, and His knowledge of His coming death and resurrection. Each of these topics is important, but we will instead focus upon the curious illustration Jesus uses to answer this challenge. Jesus uses the example of wineskins to describe the great change that was coming upon the world at the fulfillment of His ministry on earth and beyond.