“No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.” Mark 2:22

Havana, Cuba

A few years back I joined a team of church musicians on mission to Cuba. This was before the cruise ships arrived with scores of tourists desperately seeking classic cars to photograph. In my view, the cities were strikingly old and run down, masked only by fresh coats of paint. Anything new was being forced into something rickety.

Since we ministered mostly behinds the scenes, our view of conditions was even more telling. This was truly a case of new wine in old wineskins. What was needed was a total razing and redevelopment, not likely in the foreseeable future.

The Christians there were a completely different story. They were vibrant, joyous and thankful for the riches they enjoyed in Christ, never more evident than in their worship.

Holguin, Cuba

After all, they were new creations! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This is Jesus’ point with these parables. What he came to offer was completely new. For those who would accept him would receive new hearts capable of enjoying his presence forever. In a sense, with him in their hearts, no fasting would ever be necessary!