MPV Commentary

Fasting.

The parables in Luke 5:36-38 illustrate the contrast between the old and new economies introduced by Jesus. The first parable shows that mixing old and new can lead to disaster, just as trying to patch an old garment with new fabric or putting new wine into old wineskins results in damage to both. Similarly, combining the strict rituals of Judaism with the spiritual freedom of Christianity disfigures and destroys both.

The additional parable in Luke 5:39 highlights the challenge of introducing a new way of living. The "new wine" represents the evangelical freedom that Jesus brought, while the "old" refers to the opposing spirit of Judaism. People who are accustomed to the old ways cannot immediately appreciate the new, and their questions about the difference between Jesus' disciples and the Pharisees or John's followers reflect a natural resistance to change.

This situation teaches two lessons: one for those who cling too tightly to outdated practices and another for hasty reformers who lack patience with those who are slower to adapt.