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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.” Mark 2:21

Read: Mark 2:18–22
Listen: Mark 2

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Jesus and his disciples continue to infuriate the Pharisees. The devoted religious fast regularly and make sure people know about it. They question why Jesus and his disciples don’t, and he responds that it’s time for feasting, not fasting. Through two metaphors, he challenges people to not just add Jesus to their current way of doing things. He doesn’t fit in their containers. He’s here to renovate the whole system, not just patch an old one.

We may follow Jesus for years and try to add him to the “container” of what we already have going. We seek confidence through appearances. We find success in job titles and salaries. We look for value in having the right family dynamics.  Jesus is asking to renovate our entire lives—not be a little addition to our current plans and pattern of living. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion explains how Jesus might be about different things.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

What is your “container” that Jesus doesn’t fit into? Turn to the notes section on page 28 in your journal and write what God reveals that needs to go from your life. On the next pages, write a prayer of confession. “God, I confess the attitude or behavior of _____________ doesn’t go with following you. I need your help to change the way I live to be one that honors you. Amen.”

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.