The parable of the new wine and the old wineskins
Text: Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39
We explore one of Jesus’ most profound teachings: the parable of the new wine and the old wineskins. This teaching reveals the radical newness of the Gospel and the transformation required to receive it. Let us open our hearts to understand how God desires to pour His new wine into our lives and how we must prepare ourselves to contain it.
1. The Context of the Question: The Fast of John’s Disciples (Matthew 9:14)
John’s disciples and the Pharisees came to Jesus, asking, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” (Matthew 9:14).
Their question reveals a focus on religious practices and traditions. Fasting was a significant part of Jewish piety, but Jesus’ disciples were not following the same pattern. This sets the stage for Jesus to teach about the difference between the old and the new.
2. Jesus’ Response: The Bridegroom Is Present (Matthew 9:15)
Jesus answered, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15).
Fasting symbolized sorrow and repentance, but Jesus, the Bridegroom, brought joy and newness. His presence marked a new era in God’s relationship with humanity. The old practices of mourning and fasting were no longer appropriate in the same way.
Jesus reminds us that His presence changes everything. In Him, we find joy, hope, and a new way of living.
3. The Changing of Times: The New Has Come (Mark 2:20)
Jesus declared that His coming marked a new time. The old religious system, with its rituals and traditions, needed to give way to something entirely new.
The Gospel is not just an update of the old covenant; it is a completely new work of God. Jesus did not come to reform Judaism but to fulfill it and bring something transformative.
4. The Parable of the New Patch on an Old Garment (Matthew 9:16)
“No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse.” (Matthew 9:16).
Trying to combine the new covenant with the old mindset leads to tearing and destruction. The Gospel cannot be contained within the rigid structures of legalism and tradition. It requires a new way of thinking and living.
5. The Parable of the New Wine and the Old Wineskins (Matthew 9:17)
“Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins; or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:17).
The new wine represents the life, power, and joy of the Gospel. The old wineskins symbolize rigid religious structures and hardened hearts that cannot contain the new work of God.
To receive the new wine, we must become new wineskins—flexible, open, and transformed by the Holy Spirit.
6. The Need for a New Wineskin to Receive God’s New (Matthew 9:17)
God desires to pour His new wine into our lives, but we must be prepared to receive it. This requires a renewed heart and mind, free from the constraints of legalism, tradition, and self-reliance.
Are we willing to let go of the old to embrace the new? Are we open to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit?
7. Resistance to Change: The Danger of the Old Mindset (Luke 5:39)
“And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’” (Luke 5:39).
Many people resist God’s newness because they are comfortable with the old. They cling to human traditions and familiar ways, even when they no longer bear fruit.
Let us examine our hearts. Are we holding onto things that hinder God’s new work in our lives?
8. The Holy Spirit as New Wine (Ephesians 5:18)
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18).
The new wine symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Spiritual renewal comes through His presence and power. Let us seek to be filled with the Spirit, allowing Him to transform us from within.
9. God Does Not Pour the New Into Hardened Hearts (Hebrews 3:15)
“Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15).
A hardened heart cannot receive the new wine of God’s Spirit. We must remain soft, humble, and open to His leading. Let us guard against pride, self-sufficiency, and resistance to change.
10. Daily Renewal to Keep the Wine New (Ephesians 4:23)
“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” (Ephesians 4:23).
Renewal is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. We must daily seek to be “new wineskins,” allowing God to continually pour His new wine into us.
- Sermon on Nehemiah 4 - Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition
- Sermon on Not Giving Up
- Sermon on Nicodemus: Let Us Seek the Truth
Conclusion
The parable of the new wine and the old wineskins challenges us to embrace the radical newness of the Gospel. It calls us to let go of the old—our rigid traditions, hardened hearts, and resistance to change—and to welcome the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Let us become new wineskins, flexible and open, ready to receive the new wine of God’s presence, power, and joy. May we daily seek renewal, allowing Him to pour His new wine into our lives and use us for His glory.
