But new wine must be put into new bottles: and both are preserved.
αλλα οινον νεον εις ασκους καινους βλητεον και αμφοτεροι συντηρουνται
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Alternatively, at present, being frail and not yet revitalized by the Spirit, they resemble worn-out furs and tattered garments. Hence, they should not be encumbered with an overly challenging lifestyle, similar to how one does not place a new patch on an old piece of clothing. Thus, it can be inferred that the apostles are compared to aged furs due to their current weakness, but it is also evident that the Pharisees bear a resemblance to them in this regard.
The teachings of Christ cannot be embraced by those still bound by the law, nor can these truths find a place in the hearts of individuals who have not yet experienced renewal through the Holy Spirit. This is evident as the Lord states, “a torn patch cannot be put on a new garment, and old skins cannot hold new wine.” The first covenant had already become obsolete and was not without flaws. Consequently, those who cling to it and cherish the ancient commandments in their hearts are excluded from the new covenant established in Christ, “For in him all things have become new.” Their minds are worn and they find no commonality or connection with the ministers of the new covenant.
The Almighty has spoken through one of His prophets, proclaiming, “a new heart and a new spirit will I put within them.” David also proclaims, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” We are instructed to “put off the old man and put on the new man, renewed in the image of Him who created him.” Additionally, Paul advises, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may know what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Thus, those who have yet to attain spiritual renewal cannot discern what constitutes the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. “And no man now pours wine into old skins.” The hearts of the Jews resemble old skins, incapable of holding the new wine, for it is the joyful command of the gospel meant to uplift humanity. Yet, Christ has blessed us with these profound gifts, generously providing spiritual endowments and clearing the path to every virtue.
Christ is not embraced by those who adhere to the law. Individuals who follow the law may also find Him unacceptable, particularly if their hearts have not yet experienced the transformation brought by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). The Lord teaches that one does not patch old garments with new fabric, nor can new wine be contained in old wineskins (Luke 5:36-38). The first covenant has become obsolete and lacks perfection. Consequently, those who cling to it and harbor outdated commandments within their minds cannot partake in the renewal offered in Christ. For in Him, all things are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17), and those who possess a weary mind cannot find peace or communion with the servants of the new covenant.
No one puts new wine into old wineskins. This analogy highlights the fragility of human existence when our bodies are likened to the hides of lifeless creatures. How wonderful it would be if we could be like quality furs that preserve the sacred gift we have been given! If we care for our spiritual nourishment by pouring new wine into new skins, we will not endure harm. We must continually ensure that our spiritual vessels are filled; for empty vessels are susceptible to decay and pests, whereas those that are full are nurtured by grace.
In the same manner, all of the aforementioned aspects should be understood.
(Note: See Matthew 9:17)
Embarrassed by this response, they seek vengeance against both the Teacher and His followers by reproaching them for the perceived laxity of His teachings. They argue that by showing such compassion towards sinners, they are no better than those they criticize, whether in their abstinence or their prayers. Fasting and prayer serve as foundational practices for purification from sin and the pursuit of holiness; yet, these practices seem insignificant to them. To reinforce their position, the Pharisees invite the disciples of John—who happen to be present—to join them, citing the notable example of John, who is honored by Jesus, alongside their own example. They pose a question to Jesus: Why do Your disciples not fast and pray as we do, or as the disciples of John?
The Lord’s response to their question is entirely reasonable.
Firstly, it is essential to recognize the differing circumstances of these disciples. Secondly, one must understand how this practice aligns with other tenets of My teaching. Fasting is a manifestation of grief, a state in which thoughts of food are absent, stemming from sorrow for the loss of something. As long as I am with My disciples, they have no cause for mourning, similar to how the friends of the bridegroom celebrate while he is present. The disciples of John, however, can rightfully fast—practicing abstinence now that their bridegroom is not among them, as he is imprisoned. The Pharisees, who refuse to ally themselves with either John or Jesus, always seem to find reasons to fast; yet, in God's eyes, their fasting lacks the significance they wish to attribute to it.
When the time comes for My disciples to experience suffering, they will also engage in fasting, but even then, such a practice must harmonize with other external observances and their new internal calling. Simply mirroring the fasting practices of the disciples of John, which would involve modifying only one aspect of their lifestyle, is akin to sewing a new patch onto an old garment—a solution that only expands the tear. Likewise, imitating the Pharisees and adhering strictly to all previous forms would be like trying to store new wine in old wineskins—leading to the loss of both the new wine and the old skins.
Everything happens at its appointed time and within its proper measure. Thus, the Pharisees’ regulations, imposed upon Jesus, faced rejection, prompting the Lord's disciples to critically assess their relationship with both the Pharisees and the disciples of John, from whom some among them had originated. From this point onward, the scribes and Pharisees came to realize that Jesus was not inclined to conform to their opinions or regulations and intended to operate with full autonomy.
Passages read together with this verse.
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THEOSIS