Embracing the new

Then John’s disciples came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” (John 9:14)

I was thinking about John’s disciples this morning. Why were they still John’s disciples?

John was in prison. His ministry was done.

On the other hand, Jesus, the one John pointed to had started his ministry. Yet they still clung to John and his ways, rather than following after Jesus and his ways.

God was doing something new. (Matthew 3:11)

But John’s disciples weren’t ready for it. Like the old cloth and wineskins, they were too inflexible to handle something new.

Some wouldn’t be ready until years after Jesus died and was resurrected. (Acts 19:1-7)

I don’t want to be that way. But I do see that tendency in me. I like the old. I like what’s comfortable. I don’t quickly embrace the new.

Would Jesus admonish me as he did John’s disciples?

Jesus, let me have a soft heart to the new things you’re doing.