What does “new wine into old wineskins” mean?

Understanding the Metaphor

Jesus’ parable of the new wine and old wineskins is found in three Gospel accounts: Matthew 9:16-17, Mark 2:21-22, and Luke 5:36-39. This metaphor was part of a response Jesus gave when questioned about why His disciples did not fast like the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees.

In Matthew 9:17, Jesus says:

“Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

This statement holds deep spiritual meaning. Jesus used an everyday example to illustrate an important truth about His ministry and the nature of His teachings compared to the existing Jewish traditions of His time.

The Context of the Parable

Jesus’ teachings were radical compared to the religious system of first-century Judaism. The Jewish leaders had added many man-made traditions to the law of Moses, creating an oppressive system that emphasized external compliance rather than true righteousness of the heart.

Jesus’ ministry was not about reforming old Judaism but about bringing something entirely new. His teachings focused on grace, faith, a relationship with God and victory over sin rather than rigid adherence to human traditions.

The Symbolism of New Wine and Old Wineskins

New Wine

New wine represents the new covenant, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as fresh wine is alive and expands during fermentation, the message of Jesus was dynamic, transformative, and filled with life. The gospel could not be contained within the rigid structures of Pharisaical legalism.

Old Wineskins

Old wineskins symbolize the outdated system of man-made traditions that had developed by the religious leaders. Wineskins, made from animal skins, would become brittle over time. If new wine, which expands as it ferments, were placed into old skins, the rigid skins would burst under the pressure.

Jesus was teaching that His gospel could not be forced into the mold of old religious traditions. The new covenant required a transformation of heart and a willingness to accept change.

The Conflict Between Jesus and Jewish Leaders

Throughout His ministry, Jesus clashed with the Pharisees and religious leaders who were deeply attached to their own traditions. They resisted His message because it challenged their authority and exposed their hypocrisy.

Jesus Condemned Empty Rituals

Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees for their focus on external religious practices rather than true devotion to God. In Matthew 15:6-9, He says:

“Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Jesus’ teachings emphasized the spirit of the law rather than merely the letter of the law. He taught that righteousness comes from the heart and is based on faith in God rather than on external mechanical observance of rules.

The Need for Spiritual Renewal

Jesus’ parable teaches that true faith requires a transformation, not merely an addition of new practices to an old system. Paul echoes this idea in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

The gospel requires a renewal of mind and spirit. Those who receive Christ must be willing to let go of external traditions and embrace the transforming grace of the new covenant.

Application for Today

Avoid Man’s Traditions

Many religious groups today, like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time, emphasize external rules and traditions more than changed lives. While order and discipline have their place, true faith is not about external observances but about an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit.

Being Open to Spiritual Growth

Just as old wineskins could not hold new wine, a rigid heart cannot receive the new life that Jesus offers. Christians must remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing their faith to grow and change their lives in obedience to God’s will.

Embracing the New Covenant

Jesus established a new covenant based on grace and obedience to the truth (John 1:17). Rather than relying on religious systems, believers must place their faith in Christ alone for salvation. Hebrews 8:13 states:

“In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”

Those who follow Jesus must be willing to let go of man-made traditions that conflict with the true gospel.

This is the New Covenant:

“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds” (Hebrews 10:16, NKJV).

The New Covenant is not based on the people’s promise to keep the Ten Commandments law as with ancient Israel (Exodus 19:8) but instead it is based on God’s promise to enable His people to obey His commands. Obedience to the law doesn’t bring salvation but is simply the fruit of it (Romans 3:31). For salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8,9).

Conclusion

The parable of the new wine and old wineskins teaches that Jesus’ message cannot be confined to the traditions of men. His teachings were revolutionary and required a fresh approach to faith. He called people to move beyond legalism and embrace the new changed life found in Him.

Just as new wine must be put into new wineskins, so must those who follow Christ be transformed by His Spirit, leaving behind the rigidity of man-made traditions and embracing the truths of the gospel. Jesus’ message was not about reforming Judaism but about offering a completely new way to relate to God through faith, grace, obedience and love.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, NKJV).