Luke 5:38

But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

Luke 5:38 (KJV)

Context

Jesus speaks these words in response to the Pharisees and scribes who questioned why His disciples did not fast like the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees. He uses the analogy of new wine and old wineskins to illustrate the difference between the old ways of the law and the new ways brought by Him.

Meaning

In biblical times, new wine was unfermented grape juice that was still expanding and producing gases. The “new bottles” or wineskins were containers made from the hide of a goat or sheep, which would stretch as the new wine fermented and released gas. Old wineskins had already stretched to their limit and would burst if new wine were put into them. Jesus’ statement that “new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved” emphasizes that the new covenant and teachings He brings are fresh, vibrant, and transformative, and cannot be contained within the old, rigid religious structures.

The “new bottles” symbolize the hearts and minds of those who are receptive to the teachings of Jesus and His new covenant. They represent those who are renewed by the Spirit and grace of God, such as the disciples of Christ and sinners called to repentance. These are filled with spiritual joy and comfort, arising from discoveries of the love of God, a view of interest in the blessings of the covenant, and an application of Gospel truths and promises.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of matching the new wine with new wineskins. Similarly, His teachings and the new covenant require a receptive heart and mind. Just as old wineskins cannot contain new wine without bursting, an inflexible and legalistic approach cannot accommodate the transformative nature of Jesus’ message.

Jesus mentions that both the new wine and the new wineskins are preserved when matched correctly. By embracing the new covenant and teachings, individuals can experience spiritual growth, transformation, and preservation of their faith. The new wine of Jesus’ teachings and the new wineskins of receptive hearts work together to bring about spiritual vitality and preservation.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in Matthew 9:17 presents the same teaching, with Matthew’s version including the phrase “and both are preserved,” directly paralleling Luke’s wording. The following verse, Luke 5:39, notes that people who have drunk old wine do not immediately desire new wine, saying “the old is better,” which highlights the challenge of embracing the newness of the Gospel message.

Application

This verse encourages us to be open to the fresh work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It reminds us that we should not be bound by rigid legalism or clinging to old ways that may hinder our spiritual growth. Instead, we should embrace the teachings of Jesus and be open to His transformative work, allowing Him to renew our hearts and minds.

Luke 5:38 teaches us the importance of being receptive to the new wine of Jesus’ teachings and having a flexible and open heart, symbolized by the new wineskins. By embracing the new covenant, we can experience spiritual growth, transformation, and preservation in our faith.