First, the bridegroom and his friends (33-35). The Pharisees could not understand why Jesus' disciples were not very spiritual since they didn't fast regularly like them. Jesus answered them by telling them a parable. The friends of the bridegroom don't fast while they have the bridegroom with them. They eat and drink to celebrate their bachelor days with him. Later when he is gone, they will fast. Jesus is the bridegroom; the disciples are the friends. Now was the time to celebrate their Savior while he was with them. Second, two parables (36-39). Jesus told two parables to show the Christian life vs. Jewish traditions. One cannot become a Christian by adding a few of Jesus' teachings like a garment to patch up his old life. Radical repentance is the only way. Likewise, one cannot continue to live according to traditional ways that are comfortable. New wine is poured into new wineskins. The gospel is explosive and dynamic like new wine. It demands life change. The disciples of Jesus were like new wineskins, willing to learn and grow in Jesus. But the Pharisees were unable to change like old wineskins. Disciples must embrace the gospel way of life that transforms one's whole life.
Application: Father, thank you for Jesus our Bridegroom. Help me to be like a new wineskin ready for change.
One Word: New wine into new wineskins