Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: FRESH (04/29/21)
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TITLE: What Did He Mean? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marlene Custer
05/03/21 -
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Jason leaned in to hear, while keeping an eye on the growing crowd, “That new teacher, Jesus, is eating here at the tax collector’s house. It looks like some Pharisees and their scribes are headed that way.”
A gentle breeze stirred the air. Looking intently at the young man, Jason inquired, “Are they coming to cause trouble?”
“They could be. They’re not too happy with Jesus’ popularity.”
“Hmmmm, I’m going to move in a little closer.”
Jason skirted around the edge of the crowd. As he drew closer to the house he could see inside. A sizable group was reclining at the table enjoying a huge feast of meats, fruits, and delicious-looking delicacies.
Several Pharisees were at the door, in an animated conversation with a couple young men. The bystander Jason had talked to a few minutes ago caught up with him. Nodding towards the house, Jason asked, “Which one is Jesus?”
“The one coming out the door, now.”
He could hear clearly as Jesus was questioned, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jason edged in a little closer and focused on Jesus. Emotion welled up within him as he observed Jesus’ eyes, riveted on the eyes of the questioners. He was struck by the kindness expressed by Jesus in spite of the interruption. “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”
“Good answer,” Jason mused. Then the Pharisees and scribes continued to interrogate him about fasting. Jason’s heart stirred within him as Jesus answered all their questions without hesitation, then ended with a couple parables—one having to do with putting new wine into fresh wineskins.
What did He mean by new wine in fresh wineskins? Was he implying a new mindset? Was He conveying that the Pharisees and current religious teachers were too old and rigid in their thinking?
Reluctantly, Jason uttered, “I would love to hear more, but I must get further along in my journey before dark.”
* * * *
Several Years Later
Jason moved in closer, hanging onto the words of Paul as he reasoned with the Jews in the synagogue. He nodded his head in agreement as Paul explained and proved that it was necessary for Jesus to suffer and to rise from the dead. “This Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ,” he declared boldly.
Jason’s heart swelled with emotion, and tears threatened to flow down his face as many were persuaded to join with Paul and Silas—not only Jews, but some devout Greeks and prominent women of the city.
The next day an angry mob came to Jason’s house, and not finding Paul and Silas, they dragged Jason and others before the city authorities. With his heart pounding, Jason held his head high and listened intently to the accusations, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”*
After being threatened and severely warned to keep peace in the city, Jason and those with him paid bond and were let go. Returning home with a song in his heart, Jason’s thoughts went back to that day long ago in Capernaum. Then, he spoke softly to no one in particular, “Yes, He is still pouring new wine into fresh wineskins!”
ESV *Acts 17:6-7
Story based on Matthew 9:14-17, Luke 5:27-38, and Acts 17:1-9
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