by David Flusser

The following remarks are based on three criteria:

1. The observation of Robert L. Lindsey¹Robert Lisle Lindsey. A Hebrew Translation of the Gospel of Mark, Jerusalem 1973. that the synoptic material, as preserved in Luke, was rewritten by Mark and that Matthew depends on Mark;
2. The importance of contemporaneous Judaism for the interpretation of the Gospels;
3. The simple truth that old wine is better than new wine.

This truth should be taken into account in the exegesis of Jesus’ words about fasting, contained in Mark 2:18-22; Mt 9:14-17 and Luke 5:33-39.  Continue reading →