Luke 5:36

“And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.”

Certainly! Let’s dive into a Bible study on Luke 5:36, specifically focusing on the King James Version (KJV) translation. Here is the verse in question:

“And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.” (Luke 5:36, KJV)

Context: To better understand this verse, it is important to consider its context within the larger passage. In Luke 5:33-39, Jesus responds to questions from the Pharisees and scribes about fasting. In his response, Jesus uses a series of parables to illustrate the differences between the old and the new.

The Parable: Jesus begins by sharing a parable about a new piece of cloth and an old garment. The imagery in this parable is likely familiar to his audience, as they would have been familiar with the practice of sewing and patching clothing. Jesus uses this relatable example to convey a deeper spiritual truth.

Symbolic Meaning: The parable highlights the importance of recognizing the differences between the old religious system, represented by the old garment, and the new teachings and principles that Jesus brought, represented by the new cloth. Jesus is illustrating that his ministry and teachings are not simply an addition or a patch to the existing religious practices but something entirely new.

Incompatibility: The parable emphasizes that the old and the new are incompatible. Jesus states that if someone were to patch a new piece of cloth onto an old garment, two problems arise: the new cloth would make a tear in the old garment, and the piece of new cloth would not blend well with the old fabric. This imagery illustrates that the old religious practices and teachings cannot accommodate the radical and transformative message of Jesus.

Spiritual Application: This parable holds significance for believers today. It teaches us that we cannot mix the old ways of religious legalism, rituals, and traditions with the newness and freedom found in Jesus Christ. Jesus came to establish a new covenant and bring a message of grace, forgiveness, and salvation. Trying to blend the old legalistic approach with the new message of grace would lead to conflict and compromise.

Embracing the New: Jesus calls his followers to embrace the newness of his teachings and his kingdom. It requires a willingness to let go of old mindsets, religious legalism, and human traditions that hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to have open hearts and minds to receive the transformative power of Jesus and allow him to bring about change in our lives.