Why?

I have recently began a new journey through the New Testament book of Luke.  I wanted to take a fresh look at the life of Jesus and ask some questions along my journey...and maybe even wait for some answers.  I want to see Jesus.  I want to get to know the man.  I want to hear the questions that others asked because I have a feeling that they are some of my questions.  I've spent the past several months commenting on books I was reading, but I never really post about what I'm hearing from the Bible.  Sometimes that's because I'm not reading much and other times I just haven't.  Today is a little different.  Last night I watched the RNC and wasn't wowed by anything more than I was wowed by a passage I read from Luke yesterday.

I read Luke 5 and verse 33 jumped off the page and right into my world...

They asked him, “John’s disciples are well-known for keeping fasts and saying prayers. Also the Pharisees. But you seem to spend most of your time at parties. Why?” 

As some of you know, I've been on a bit of a journey regarding church and the necessity/purpose of weekly gatherings, particularly the Sunday morning event we too often call "church."  Well, this section of Luke tapped into that part of me.

Jesus had just been at a party where Levi, a despicable tax collector, had invited all of his friends to meet this Jesus.  It was an incredible party...not a fellowship, but a party designed to introduce people to Jesus.  It was a large dinner...there was eating and drinking.  I'm liking the party already!  The story even says there were "disreputable" people at the party.  Reminds me more of a college party than a pot-luck.  While at the party, it appears that Jesus was fully present...meaning he participated in the party.  I don't know to what extent, but I don't get the impression that he sat over to the side with his clear plastic cup showing everyone he was drinking plain water.

The Pharisees had grown irritated with Jesus because they didn't think this lifestyle was appropriate for a rabbi, much less someone claiming a connection to God such as Jesus had.  They cornered him and asked him about it.  In essence they come to Jesus and said, "John's followers are like us, fasting and praying, but you and your followers are always at parties.  Why?"  There question wreaks of superiority just in the asking.  Jesus had a perspective that was different than that of the religious elite of his day.  They seemed to continually be asking how they can remain pure, while Jesus seemed to ask questions about getting to those who are not pure.  He had a confidence in his position that allowed him to walk outside the "protective" walls of the synagogue.  He would play at parties, heal on the Sabbath, touch the lepers, talk to women and forgive sins.  His focus on those outside the kingdom brought a freedom in his "religion" that looks much more like a relationship that he carried with him to others, rather than a system of beliefs that he would bring people to.  I am intrigued by this.

Jesus responded to the Pharisees by explaining that his presence should cause joy in his followers and that there was no need for solemn fasting and prayer while he was with them.  If I can live in the belief that Jesus' presence is with me, always, then I can live with a freedom that allows me to reach out and into the lives of others without the fear of "corruption."  If I live in the belief that Jesus is not with me, always, but only when I am "praying and fasting" then I must do everything I can to continually fast and pray.  I choose the former, but years of conditioning keeps pulling me to the later.