Mark 2:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They pointed to John, a respected figure in the eyes of Jesus, and compared him with the people whom Jesus belittles, posing a question to Him: “Why do Your disciples not fast and pray as we do, or as the disciples of John do?” The Lord responded, and His answer was entirely reasonable. First, it is essential to differentiate between the circumstances of these disciples and those of others. Additionally, one must understand how this expectation aligns with the broader principles of My teaching—Fasting signifies mourning; when a person is grieving, thoughts of food are not present. The essence of fasting comes from a sense of loss or deprivation. My disciples have no reason for sorrow while I am with them, much like the friends of the bridegroom at a wedding have no cause for mourning while the bridegroom is in their midst. The disciples of John have cause to fast because their bridegroom is absent (he is in prison). Conversely, the Pharisees, who wished to remain neutral towards both John and Jesus, always have justification for fasting, although their fasting does not carry the weight before God that they assume it does. A time will come, however, when my disciples will have their reason to mourn. Yet, even then, during the period of trials for my disciples, this practice should align with other external observances and the new internal transformations taking place. To merely imitate the disciples of John by adjusting a single aspect of their way of life would be akin to patching an old garment, thereby making the tear larger. Likewise, to conform to the practices of the Pharisees by maintaining all old traditions would be likened to putting new wine into old wineskins, resulting in the loss of both the wine and the skins. All things have their appointed season and measure. Therefore, the Pharisees' directives, which sought to impose their standards on Jesus, were ultimately rejected, offering the Lord's disciples a clearer perspective on their relationships with both the Pharisees and the disciples of John, from whom some of them were drawn. Furthermore, the scribes and Pharisees came to recognize that the Lord was not inclined to yield to their judgments and traditions, but rather intended to act with full autonomy.

To fully comprehend the parable Jesus shared regarding old garments and wineskins, we can draw upon select passages from Paul's letter, accompanied by insights from John Chrysostom.

Apostle Paul confronted Apostle Peter, contending that, as a Jew, he lived like a Gentile by not adhering to the Jewish law, yet he was imposing Jewish customs on Gentile believers, demanding that they follow all stipulations of the so-called Jewish law. Paul emphasized that justification cannot be achieved through the works of the law, but is found in faith in Jesus Christ and adherence to His commandments. If one believes justification comes through the law, Paul argued, then Christ's sacrifice was for naught (see Galatians 2:16-21). John Chrysostom further expounded on this, warning that compliance with the law would nullify the Gospel. He reasoned that if the entirety of the law were required, then justification by faith would be undermined. He questioned the implications of observing the Sabbath without circumcision or making sacrifices if circumcision was embraced. Chrysostom concluded that if it is necessary to fulfill the entire law, following Christ would either lead to a rejection of Him or result in being labeled a lawbreaker, attributing any transgression to Christ since He permitted deviations from the law.

Returning to the parable from Jesus’ perspective, we know the Pharisees frequently criticized His disciples for their disregard of the law, such as harvesting grain on the Sabbath, failing to fast, and eating without ritually washing their hands; Christ defended them each time. In response to the Pharisees and John’s disciples accusing them of not fasting, the Lord again defended His disciples but extended His argument to articulate how His teachings contrasted with the strict observance of Jewish law. Through this parable, which invites various interpretations, we can align with the understanding suggested by Paul and Chrysostom: "You (Pharisees) wish for My disciples to don the old garments of your legalistic practices and traditions, while I urge them to wear the new garments of love and forgiveness. It is essential to shed the old attire before adorning the new. You cannot mend the worn-out garment by using pieces from the new; instead, the old garment will be further damaged. Likewise, just as young wine cannot be contained in old wineskins, I encourage My disciples to embrace the new teachings and allow themselves to be transformed. Though they are still growing in understanding, they recognize the superiority of My teachings, just as one accustomed to fine wine would avoid inferior quality. The statement that 'no one, after tasting old wine, desires new wine' (Luke 5:39) might appear contradictory in light of the message regarding old garments. However, this confusion clears when we acknowledge that old wine is typically regarded as good, while new wine may seem less desirable, which clarifies the purpose of the parable. Indeed, no one who has enjoyed excellent wine will swiftly choose a lesser variety."