Luke 5:39
No man also hauing drunke olde wine, straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better. Luke 5:39 (KJV)
This verse is part of a larger passage in which Jesus is responding to a question about fasting. The Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist ask why Jesus’ disciples do not fast as the disciples of John or the Pharisees do. In reply, Jesus uses the metaphors of an old garment, new cloth, old wineskins, and new wine to illustrate the difference between the old and the new.
In the metaphor of old wine and new wine, Jesus emphasizes the superiority of the Gospel message He brings compared with the religious practices and traditions of the Pharisees and John’s disciples. The phrase “no man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new” indicates that people who have become accustomed to the old ways, teachings, and traditions find it difficult to embrace the newness and fullness of the Gospel that Jesus offers.
Jesus adds, “for he saith, The old is better,” highlighting the resistance and preference for the familiar. This statement reflects how the Pharisees and John’s followers clung to their traditional ways, considering them better and more righteous, while Jesus presents a new covenant that surpasses the old covenant.
The verse underscores the contrast between the old covenant (represented by the old wine) and the new covenant (represented by the new wine). Jesus’ ministry inaugurated a new era of salvation and relationship with God. The old covenant, with its laws and rituals, pointed toward the coming of Christ, whereas the new covenant, characterized by grace, forgiveness, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, provides a deeper and more intimate relationship with God.
Application of this teaching challenges us to examine our own lives and attitudes. Are we holding on to old ways, traditions, or mindsets that hinder us from fully embracing the newness and richness of God’s work in our lives? We are called to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and willing to let go of anything that impedes our growth and relationship with God. The Gospel is not merely adherence to rules and traditions but a vibrant, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.
In summary, Luke 5:39 uses the metaphor of old wine and new wine to highlight the challenge of embracing the newness of the Gospel message. It emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant Jesus brings and encourages us to remain open to the work of the Holy Spirit, embracing the fullness of God’s truth and grace.
