Dean Miller, July 19, 2020
Key Scripture: Luke 5:33-39
Opening thoughts—old & new ways of doing things
We all change ways of doing things. (Regular to electronic toothbrush. Coffee to tea. New ways to workout, or new languages to learn.)
Many of us had great aspirations for quarantine. (Think back to late March.) But now we’re worn out, having exhausted the healthy ways of dealing with uncertainty. We’re left wondering, “Is there light at the end of this tunnel?”
The goal—that we would have a little more courage to trust and rest in God’s love. Have you changed any habits during Covid-19 quarantine? Or picked up a new hobby? As this season has worn on, has it gotten more difficult to follow through?
The context—Luke’s gospel
Luke describes the dramatic ways Jesus’ kingdom was transforming the world. Luke is the gospel of surprising people. (Zacchaeus, women, etc.)
Luke 5 is full of surprising people—fisherman, lepers, paralytics, tax collectors.
Consider Luke’s vocation as a physician and his deep interest in the dramatic and surprising action of the new kingdom—how Jesus healed the broken. What do Jesus’ actions say about his kingdom, and what it was about?
The context—the religious leaders
The Pharisees question Jesus, “Why do you eat with sinners? Why don’t you fast?” (Also see Luke 15, the “lost” parables.)
The religious leaders are trying to get their minds around Jesus. He doesn’t fit their paradigm (i.e., old wineskins).
The Pharisees assume spiritual wine will come from them. They don’t understand that the Kingdom of Heaven is different.
There is irony in their question, “Why aren’t you fasting?”
People fasted to get close to God, but Jesus is God so the people were close to him! Jesus is saying, “I’m right here, you just need to follow me.”
The Pharisees not only missed the point of the New Kingdom, they missed Jesus when he was in their midst. How might we in the church today miss Jesus, or kingdom action, as a result of our preconceived notions or customs? In other words, what might a pharisaical response to Jesus look like at TFCA? How can we be mindful of this?
The context—new wineskins
The true wine of the Kingdom of Jesus is different. You need new wineskins. Jesus’ kingdom includes different people (humble fishermen, tax collectors) and different actions (healing, repentance). The new kingdom is bigger and unexpected.
What do the new wineskins mean for us?
(1) How does wine-making work?
This parable describes how God works to form new wine in the new kingdom.
Wineskins were made from animal skins, and old ones would burst. New wineskins were crucial but were not comfortable/worn in.
Likewise, it is not comfortable when God builds new wineskins into us. The wine-making process uses heat, pruning, long periods of time, cold, etc.
Similarly, God uses the seasons of life (ups and downs) to form in us new wine. We must ask, “Lord, grant me a new wineskin.”
Share about some experiences, trials, or events God has used to form a new wineskin in you. How might this parable/teaching dovetail Jesus’ command to count the cost?
(2) Even now, are we supposed to be new wine for Jesus?
Despite all that’s going wrong, God is still forming new wineskins.
Some might say: I can’t be wine; I barely feel like grape juice because...
I’m too freaked out about Covid-19, or finances, or...society just argues over everything...
I don’t know where to begin with racial reconciliation...
I’m anxious about school plans...
Have you found yourself retreating from seeking God and his kingdom due to uncertainties and fears caused by this difficult season?
But Jesus calls the imperfect to bear his wine. He calls those who are still learning. He calls Levi, the most unlikely disciple. He calls an afraid Peter.
Recall Peter in Acts 2 (just 50 days after denying Jesus!) The wine in Peter is so different. It is courageous, loving, and full of truth, and he offers this new wine to the thousands listening. The Holy Spirit is at work.
50 days. (Think back to Memorial Day.) Peter’s life was difficult during this time, yet Jesus formed a new wineskin in him.
50 days is not that long (especially when we think in terms of Peter’s transformation from the cross and Pentecost). What might the Lord do in your heart in 50 days? Consider praying to the Lord for new wineskins for 50 days.
The key point: To share new wine with the world.
“I’m tired...yet, Jesus!”; “I’m ashamed...yet, Jesus!”; “I’m anxious, yet, Jesus!”
Like Peter, we are sent. The new wine is not just for us, but for the world.
Who is one person in your life right now who you can share the gospel (Jesus is King) with? Who might God be calling you to be “new wine” to? Commit to praying for this person. Ask God to deepen this friendship.
(3) How can we be wine for Jesus?
How are you doing this morning? No one is doing great or running at 100%. Too much going on. We can’t know the answers during an unprecedented time.
“I feel like my kids are getting the worst of homeschooling, the worst of public school, the worst of my parenting, and I can barely keep my job...”
Yet, Jesus! Even now we still believe Jesus is great at making wine.
If there’s no new wine coming from the church, where will it come from?
Jesus makes new wine in tax collectors, sinners, fisherman—from people being forgiven, healed, and sent. (That’s us!)
Reflect on the difficulties, trials, or frustrations in your life right now. Are you able to say, “Yes, Jesus!” in response? If not, try. Remind yourself that “Yes, Jesus!” is not a glib coping mechanism but the incredible truth of Jesus at work.
Concluding thoughts—
We should expect this wine to look different:
Exercising humility in our conversations.
Holding our finances with open hands.
Seeing people with eyes of the Kingdom, not a political party.
Showing patience to community leaders making complex decisions.
We are right in middle of Luke 5. Jesus invites us, “Come be with me.” Let us say, “Jesus, form new wine in me.”
What jumps out to you from this parable and sermon?
What might Christ be speaking to you through this message?