he was willing to go where he was most
needed and to work where the ravages of sin were most severe. He came into
the world to save sinners. Their conduct distressed him, their sins pained
him; but to accomplish his task he sought them out and showed his sympathy
by his presence and by his healing power.

Are there any who do not need the spiritual cure he can effect? Are any
"sound;" are some not "sinners"? These questions each must answer for
himself. Probably those who like the Pharisees are least conscious of
their sickness are in most desperate danger. Then again, are those who
know his power willing like the Master to go with his gospel to the places
of greatest need?

5. The Question of Fasting. Ch. 5:33-39

33 And they said unto him, The disciples of John fast often, and
make supplications; likewise also the _disciples_ of the
Pharisees; but thine eat and drink. 34 And Jesus said unto them,
Can ye make the sons of the bride-chamber fast, while the
bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come; and when the
bridegroom shall be taken away from them, then will they fast in
those days. 36 And he spake also a parable unto them: No man
rendeth a piece from a new garment and putteth it upon an old
garment; else he will rend the new, and also the piece from the
new will not agree with the old. 37 And no man putteth new wine
into old wine-skins; else the new wine will burst the skins, and
itself will be spilled, and the skins will perish. 38 But new wine
must be put into fresh wine-skins. 39 And no man having drunk old
_wine_ desireth new; for he saith, The old is good.

The Pharisees were disturbed by the attitude of Jesus toward sinners. Much
more were they distressed by his attitude toward the forms and ceremonies
which to their mind constituted the very essence of religion. This
attitude had been expressed by the failure of Jesus to require his
disciples to observe the fasts which had become so prominent in the system
of legalism taught by the religious leaders of the Jews. The Law of Moses
prescribed no fasts. The rabbis had so multiplied them that a Pharisee
could boast of fasting "twice in the week." The disciples of John the
Baptist were taught to fast frequently, not as an empty form, but to
express the solemn character of the ministry of John who had come
preaching "repentance unto remission of sins." It was not strange,
therefore, that th