A New Mind for New Wine
Today’s sermon is based on Jesus’s explanation of new wine and wineskins. Often answered people’s questions with a question because he was more interested in the motive of the heart than giving a simple response. In our story today, Jesus answers John the Baptist’s disciples question with a question and two analogies.
Main text: Matthew 9:14-17
It’s important to understand some of wine’s common uses in the Bible. Here are some ways wine was used:
Wine was the common drink in Biblical times.
Wine was used in various celebrations (Wedding at Cana).
Wine was used to cure diseases (as in the story of the Good Samaritan)
Wine was used ceremonially in drink offerings, Passover, and the Eucharist
**Of course, too much of anything can be harmful, but at its core, wine was considered a great blessing to the people of God. **
Speaking of wineskins, there is a four-part process of making wine: Harvesting, then Crushing/Pressing, then Fermentation, and then Distribution.
Like new wine, you may feel you’re crushed, but remind yourself, you’re being crushed in the Master’s hand. As wine moves into there fermentation process, we are reminded that fermentation takes time. Don’t short-circuit the process! Without the pressure, without the process, and without patience, you’ll be premature. After fermentation, God wants to “distribute us” (pour us out) to a parched and thirsting world.
In order to be useful wineskins, there are four essential ingredients needed. We must be:
1. Willing – flexible and soft, able to expand our hearts
2. Introspective – humble enough to search our hidden motives and agendas
3. Needy – reminded that we are completely dependent on Jesus
4. Expectant – ready to receive God’s blessings even if they come in unexpected packages
Like the new wine that reshapes the wineskin, the Holy Spirit will reshape or reform us if we’re willing!
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