Read Luke 5:36-39. The Old Way Versus The New Way.
Jesus told a parable to the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were questioning Jesus and his disciples. Jesus said “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old garment.” For one, it doesn’t match plus the old material won’t have the strength it once had to hold the new material for a long time. Eventually the new garment will cause a bigger tear in the old garment.
Jesus also said, “No one pours new wine into old wineskin.” The reason being is the old wineskin has expanded over time because when the new wine ferments, it causes the wineskin to stretch. So putting new good wine in old wineskins is at risk of having the old wineskin burst and lose its content.
In essence, Jesus was saying he is bringing a new covenant, a new way of life. The old wineskin represents the Pharisaic tradition of legalism, which the new wineskin represents Jesus’s message of Grace and Forgiveness.
In verse 39, Jesus says that no one will want the new wine over the old wine. He was not saying that the New Covenant is worse than the Old Covenant. But he was making a strong point that many will reject the New Covenant because they’ll prefer the Old Covenant.
The Old Covenant emphasizes legalism, as if our Salvation is based upon what we can do, however we will always fall short. The New Covenant focuses on God’s grace which emphasizes what Jesus did for our Salvation. Works versus Grace. Sadly, many will reject the work of Christ and will focus on trying to be “good enough” with their own works. It will never be successful.
God help me grasp the Salvation through Jesus and not by my good works. Then transform my life through your spirit and help me share salvation through Jesus with others so they can be set free from legalism and onto Grace.
