Please explain the parable of new wine, which is not poured into old wineskins and shabby clothes, to which patches of unbleached fabric are not sewn. parables of jesus christ parable of old and new furs

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What does it mean to pour new wine into old wineskins, as it is said in? What do new bellows mean and what do old bellows mean?

And He told them a parable: “No one sews a patch on an old garment by tearing off a piece of cloth from a new one; otherwise it will tear the new one, and the patch from new clothes won't fit the old one. No one pours new wine into old wineskins, because new wine will break through them and not only flow out by itself, but also ruin the wineskins. Young wine is poured into new wineskins. And no one, having drunk old wine, will want new wine, for he will say: “the old is better.” (Luke 5:36-39)

Pouring new wine into old wineskins

In this passage from the Bible, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God and its special incarnation in the church. "Old Bellows" is a metaphor that means the Old Covenant or . It can also mean Jews who followed the Law of Moses but were unwilling to believe in Christ. Jesus is not saying that the Old Testament will gradually pass into , but that the New Testament in Jesus will completely replace the Jewish system.

In the prophet Jeremiah we can find a prophecy about this:

The Lord said, "The time is coming when I will New Testament with the family of Israel and with the family of Judah. It will not be the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of Egypt; they broke this covenant, although I was their Sovereign. In the future, I will make another covenant with the people of Israel, says the Lord, I will put My teaching in their heads and write it in their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people.

And they will not have to teach their neighbors or relatives to know the Lord, because all people, from the smallest to the greatest, will know Me.” Thus says the Lord: "I will forgive them all the bad things they have done, I will forget about their sins." The Lord says: “I make the sun shine during the day, I make the moon and stars shine at night, I make the seas boil so that the waves will beat against the shore. The Lord Almighty is my name." (Jeremiah 31:31-35)

God tells us that the time will come when He will send a new covenant, a better one, to replace the old one.

Jesus is not saying here that He is trying to reform Judaism. He says that He brought a new incarnation of the Kingdom of God, which can only be entered by being born again. The Kingdom of God that Jesus expected is very different from what the Jews did. It is far beyond Old Testament. It is for this reason that it must be completely replaced, and not changed gradually.

The old wineskins of Judaism practiced by the Jews at the time of Christ could not be reformed or changed. They need to be replaced new version The kingdom we call "the church." At the most early stages the Christian church in Jerusalem was, in a sense, part of Judaism. Nevertheless, very soon Christians were expelled from Jerusalem (these events are described at the end of the seventh - beginning of the eighth chapter of the book of Acts), and then from Judaism. For several years, the church experienced intense persecution from the Jews, which eventually led to the emergence of a completely separate Christian church. These were new furs.

The reason for the disagreement with the Jews, about which in question in the passage about wine and wineskins, there was a conversation about fasting. The Pharisees had to observe several different fasts, the followers of Christ did not take part in them. And although the followers of Christ obeyed the Jewish laws during His ministry, they did not follow the prescriptions of the Pharisees, which were added to these laws additionally. They now had a new and greater Master, whose authority far surpassed that of the Pharisees. This new wine of the New Testament cannot be poured into old wineskins, the legalistic practices of the Pharisees in the time of Christ.

Asks Galina
Answered by Larisa Sugay, 12/18/2007


Good afternoon, Galina!

It is interesting to note that Jesus' statement " And no one attaches a patch of unbleached fabric to shabby clothes, for the newly sewn will be torn off from the old, and the hole will be even worse. Nor do young wines be poured into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins break, and the wine flows out, and the wineskins are lost; but young wine is poured into new wineskins, and both are saved"described in 3 Gospels:, and.

Some people tried to accept the teachings of Jesus and followed him for a while. But there came a moment when the “old wineskins” were torn from “new wine” and they left with the words “what strange words! Who can listen to this?

It's very simple: the teaching of Jesus is actually not something new - it is "a commandment given from the beginning", but sometimes we are not able to receive a message from Jesus because we have "old wineskins". We just need an update!

Peace to you!
Larisa

Read more on the topic "Words and phrases from the Bible":

Do you see how these examples - clothes and furs - are similar to those used in the Old Testament? Thus Jeremiah calls the people loins, and mentions wine and wineskins (Jeremiah 13:11-12). From these things the Savior borrows examples because it was about gluttony and eating. Evangelist Luke adds that even the new is torn apart if it is applied to the old. Do you see that not only does no good come from this, but only more harm?

Speaking of the present, Christ at the same time foreshadows the future, namely, that His disciples will be renewed later in time; but until this happens, until then no strict and heavy commandments should be placed on them. Whoever before the proper time, says Christ, offers people a high teaching, even in due time will no longer find them able to follow it, making them forever useless. It does not depend on the wine or the wineskins into which it is poured, but on the untimely haste of the pourers. Using these comparisons, the Savior also revealed to us the reason why He often used modest expressions about Himself when talking with His disciples.

According to their infirmity, He said many things that were much beneath His dignity. The Evangelist John testifies to this, citing the words of Christ: I have much to tell you; but now you can't contain(John 16:12) . So that they would not think that He could only tell them what He said, but would imagine that He could say many other things, much more important - for this Christ pointed out their weakness, promising to say the rest when they were strong. . The Savior expresses the same thing here when he says: The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast(Matthew 9:15) .

Therefore, at the very beginning, we should not demand everything from everyone, but only what is possible, and then we will achieve the rest more quickly. If you are in a hurry and try to finish the job as soon as possible, then you yourself should not be in a hurry, because you are trying to finish it as soon as possible. If my words seem mysterious to you, then know this from the very nature of things, and then you will easily see all their strength. Do not be embarrassed if someone accuses you inopportunely - and here, after all, the Pharisees accused and reviled the disciples.

Conversations on the Gospel of Matthew.

St. Ignatius (Bryanchaninov)

Not only is sin harmful to us, but goodness itself is harmful when we do it at the wrong time and in the wrong way, so not only hunger is harmful, but also excess in food and the quality of food that does not correspond to age and constitution. “They do not pour new wine into old wineskins: if not, then the mixtures will sink, and the wine will spill, and the mixtures will perish; but new wine is poured into new wineskins, and both will be observed.” The Lord said this about deeds of virtue, which must certainly correspond to the state of the doer, otherwise they will destroy the doer and perish themselves, that is, they will be undertaken fruitlessly, to the harm and destruction of the soul, contrary to their purpose.

ascetic experiences. Volume II. A word about the Jesus Prayer.

Rev. Isidore Peluciot

Nor do young wines be poured into old wineskins; otherwise, the wineskins break, and the wine flows out, and the wineskins are lost, but young wine is poured into new wineskins, and both are saved.

Those who rotted in old age and rejected the new grace, the Lord called shabby furs as if breaking through and pouring out the new teaching of the Kingdom. Caiaphas showed himself to be such. For when he heard from the Lord that He was the Son of God, he tore his garments. But Peter, having received the law of the Spirit of life, not only, being taught, did not turn away, but, being questioned, he confessed Him, showing the knowledge of the truth implanted in him.

Letters. Book I

Rev. Justin (Popovich)

Nor do young wines be poured into old wineskins; otherwise, the wineskins break, and the wine flows out, and the wineskins are lost, but young wine is poured into new wineskins, and both are saved.

Christianity is a new epistemology, for a new spirit, new soul, new heart new psychology. Do not pour new wine into old wineskins. The spirit of Christianity does not fit even through the medium of any category into the perishable vessels of a limited consciousness and mind.

Ascetic and theological chapters.

Blzh. Hieronymus Stridonsky

Nor do young wines be poured into old wineskins; otherwise, the wineskins break, and the wine flows out, and the wineskins are lost, but young wine is poured into new wineskins, and both are saved.

Blzh. Theophylact of Bulgaria

Nor do young wines be poured into old wineskins; otherwise, the wineskins break, and the wine flows out, and the wineskins are lost, but young wine is poured into new wineskins, and both are saved.

Evfimy Zigaben

Below, new wine is poured into old wineskins: if not, then the mixtures will sink, and the wine will spill, and the mixture will perish: but they will pour new wine into new wineskins, and both will be observed.

Below, nova wines are poured into old wineskins

Takes another comparison, calling new wine the severity and power of the commandments, with wine, as gladdening the souls of the perfect, - new, as unusual for the unprepared, - and old furs calling the disciples - wineskins, as containing the teaching, - decrepit, as weak.

if not, then the mixtures will sink, and the wine will spill, and the mixtures will perish

The bellows will sag, i.e. they break through, unable to withstand the strength of the new wine, the unretained wine is spilled, and the skins disappear, becoming unusable for a further time.

but new wine is poured into new wineskins, and both are kept

A good owner should pay attention to the quality of the wine, the strength of the furs, and the time. Now the disciples are decrepit, as if they had not yet been renewed. And in another place he said to them: many more imam to say to you, but you can not wear now(John 16:12). Both, he says, are saved, i.e. wine and fur, worn and worn.

Interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew.

Lopukhin A.P.

Nor do young wines be poured into old wineskins; otherwise, the wineskins break, and the wine flows out, and the wineskins are lost, but young wine is poured into new wineskins, and both are saved.

Trinity sheets. No. 801-1050.

16 And no one puts a patch of unbleached cloth on an old garment, for what is sewn on again will be torn off from the old, and the hole will be even worse.
17 Nor do they pour new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wineskins break, and the wine flows out, and the wineskins are lost, but young wine is poured into new wineskins, and both are saved.

New wine in old wineskins - a phrase found in the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 9:17), the Gospel of Mark (Mt 2:22), the Gospel of Luke (Lk 5:37-39). The phrase in all the Gospels sounds the same, only Luke added more words.

(Gospel of Luke 9:16-17) “And no one attaches a patch of unbleached fabric to shabby clothes, for the newly sewn will be torn off from the old, and the hole will be even worse. Nor do young wines be poured into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins break, and the wine flows out, and the skins disappear, but young wine is poured into new skins, and both are saved. In all three synoptic gospels, this phrase appears immediately after the call of Levi-Matthew, when Jesus explains why his disciples do not fast, although the disciples of John the Baptist do (Mk 2:18-20)

The parable used images from Everyday life. New wineskins are stretched along with the young wine poured into them, and then harden. If young wine is poured into old, hardened skins, the skins may burst due to continued fermentation. Also, new fabric shrinks over time, so old, already sagging clothes should not be patched with new fabric.

Various interpretations of the metaphor:

With shabby furs, Christ figuratively designated the Jewish religion. The parable of the new wine in the old wineskins, as well as the similar parable of the new and the old cloth (Mark 2:21), is often understood to mean that the new teaching of Christ cannot fit within the framework of the Jewish religion, or within the framework of any contemporary religious ideas. (see also Supersessionism). In particular, we are talking about all the Jewish fasts established by the Old Testament. Christ gives a new teaching about fasting. The new teaching does not flow into the old Jews. (“The new teaching about fasting is new clothes and new wine. To require the students to observe the previous fasts means pouring new wine into old wineskins, or sewing a new patch on old clothes.” “You (that is, the Pharisees) demand that my disciples cover themselves with the old clothes of your rituals and traditions of the elders. And I demand that they put on the new clothes of all-forgiving love. Understand that you cannot put on new clothes without first throwing off the old ones. It is also impossible to repair these dilapidated clothes by cutting out pieces from new ones. You can't support old clothes with this. She's even more likely to disintegrate from these patches. Yes, and you will damage the new one. So give My disciples the freedom to become new wineskins for the acceptance of My teaching and put on new clothes, throwing off their tattered ones. If they have not yet been fully imbued with the spirit of My teaching, yet they have known the advantages of It over your teaching. And just as you, having tasted good wine, will not drink bad wine, so they, following Me, will not come to you.” )

Many Christian interpreters have explained that with this parable, Jesus shows that he founds a new religion, other than Judaism, and other than the teachings of John the Baptist (for example, Ignatius of Antioch taught this in a letter to the Magnesians X, see also List of events in the first centuries of Christianity ). Some Christians have used this phrase when suggesting new forms of Christianity. Early in the second century, Marcion used this phrase to justify Marcionism. Others believe that such an interpretation conflicts with the phrase in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 5:39): And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately wants new, for he says: old is better. The Gospel of Luke speaks not so much of the failure of the old religion as of the nature of the doctrine and of the disciples. No one offers an experienced student a lesson intended for an inexperienced student. It will be useless for an experienced student, and a lesson intended for an experienced student will not be perceived by an inexperienced student.

With words about new and old wine, Christ answers the question about the fasts of the Pharisees ( why do the disciples of John fast often and pray, also the Pharisees, but they eat and drink yours? Luke 5:39): the Pharisees' fasts are old wine, they have an "intoxicating" effect on the people, and the people respect the Pharisees; but for the "old furs" - the Jewish people - the Pharisees' fasts are not suitable, beyond their strength. You should not observe the fasts invented by people, the Pharisees; the fasts established by the Law are established by God. Old wineskins, like the Old Testament, kept aged quality wine, that is, the commandments of Moses and the teachings of the wise men and prophets. Just as new wine cannot be poured into old wineskins, so it is also impossible to combine additional fasts of the Pharisees with the teachings of the Old Testament, tested and preserved for centuries. Just as new, young wine can harm old wineskins, so the Pharisees' teaching about extra fasts can harm the New Testament. Furs were made from dressed animal skins, such as whole lamb skin. Therefore, such skins filled with wine retained the contour of the lamb's body. In turn, the Messiah was depicted as a Lamb led to the slaughter (Is.53:7). Therefore, under new wineskins, one can understand the Messiah, and under new wine, those innovations that the Messiah will bring with him.

The new doctrine given by Christ must be formed and insisted; Like new wine, a new doctrine needs new wineskins, that is, new thinking, new hearts.

"And they marveled at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as scribes." (Mark 1:22) . Old wineskins - an old man, new wineskins - a man renewed in Christ. Young wine is the new teaching of Christ, old wine is the Old Testament teaching. "New wine - fasting, old wineskins - the weakness of the disciples, which should not be burdened"; "A new patch and new wine is a strict fast, strict requirements in general. And old clothes and old wineskins are weakness, weakness of the disciples, not yet prepared to carry great feats" Parables are designed to illustrate the idea "everything has its time and its place." While Jesus was with the disciples, they did not need to fast, but when he leaves them, they will also have fasts (Luke 5:35 "But they will come days when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days"). Jesus is asked about the reason for the lack of fasting, and he answers that his disciples are not fasting now, but will fast when he is gone. « Also, when you fast, do not be despondent like the hypocrites, for they take on gloomy faces in order to appear to people who are fasting. I tell you truly, they already receive their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, to appear fasting, not before men, but before your Father who is in the secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly » . (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus Christ teaches us thatwould we observe a new post. When we fast we should not be hypocrites.

Lk, 21 credits, 5, 33-39

Then the Pharisees approached Jesus, saying: why do the disciples of John fast often, and pray, likewise the Pharisees, while yours eat and drink? He said to them, Can you force the sons of the bridal chamber to fast when the Bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. At the same time, he told them a parable: no one puts patches on old clothes after tearing off new clothes; otherwise, the new one will be torn apart, and the patch from the new one will not fit the old one. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the new wine will break the wineskins and flow out by itself, and the wineskins will be lost. But young wine must be poured into new wineskins; then both will be saved. And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately wants new; for he says: "the old is better."

Lord knows what in His disciples, and gives them commandments according to their ability. Many wondered why He did not force His disciples to fast as often as the Pharisees and the disciples of John. The Lord speaks of the importance of keeping the spirit of fasting. Not just fasting like a diet, but living a life of selflessness. The worst thing is when they try to appear fasting so that everyone can see their piety. That is why it is said: “I want mercy, not sacrifice.” And it is sad when the observance of church regulations oppresses a person, and does not help him live.

The miraculous wisdom of God preserves the labors of fasting and testing for the apostles for those times when, by the grace of Christ, they will be sufficiently prepared for this. Now they are the sons of the bridal chamber, when the Bridegroom is with them, and every day is a joy and a holiday for them. But it won't always be like this. The days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them. When Christ leaves them, and the world rages against them, their hearts will be filled with sorrow, and they will fast in those days.

Christ saw His Cross beforehand. But even on the way to the Cross, He knew the joy that no one can take away, because it is the joy of the presence of God. And our fasting should be such communion with Christ. Let us note that more than once the Lord likens the Christian life to a wedding feast. Joy is the first attribute of a Christian. “Rejoice,” says the apostle, “and again I say, rejoice.” Too many people think that the whole of Christianity is just doing what you don't want to do and not doing what you want to do.

The Lord requires each service according to its ability. He does not want to "put a patch on old clothes, tearing off new clothes, nor pour new wine into old wineskins." He does not impose strictness and severity of rules on those who have just come to Him from the world, so that the enemy does not tempt them with the desire to escape into the world again. The Lord gradually raises us from strength to strength, “and no one, having drunk old wine, immediately wants new; for he says: "the old is better." Disciples may be tempted to think that their former way of life is better, until they gradually become accustomed to the way of life to which the Lord has called them. Until they are given to taste the new wine of the grace of the Holy Spirit. The disciples of Christ will have to have not only the form of piety, but most of all, the power of it.

Let us also note that Protestants and modern Catholics are trying to find in this Gospel a justification for the abolition of fasting, since fasting practically does not exist among them. And the fact that Christ Himself, before entering the ministry of the salvation of the world, fasted for forty days, giving us an image of true spiritual life, is strangely forgotten. But everything that Christ did, the Church must also do.

In the ministry of Christ, fasting represents the first response to the anointing of the Holy Spirit. And also the first battle in which Christ defeated His enemy, the prince of this world. The Lord showed us how we should resist the temptations of demons. “This generation does not want to go out except by prayer and fasting” ( Mk. 9, 29). As the Son of God, Christ did not need to fast, just as He did not need to fight the devil, or be baptized, or be anointed with the Holy Spirit. He did it for us so that His life would become our life. For His Paschal Way to become our Pascha. “The spirit does not submit to the Cross,” says St. Isaac the Syrian, “until the body submits to the spirit.” In communion with the Cross is the true meaning of fasting, and any deviation from this makes fasting not only useless, but harmful. The Holy Fathers say that the very Incarnation of God is the highest expression of asceticism. It is based on the greatest humility. For for the sake of our salvation, the Son of God put off the glory of His Divinity, taking on the guise of a humble servant, rejected by the world.

And we should also think about why the Jews, lovers of old wines, highly appreciating, out of habit, the ancient law, for the most part rejected the gospel novelty, which became in their throats. These two images - putting a new patch on old clothes and pouring new wine into old wineskins - speak of the incompatibility between the old and the new, between the Jewish satisfaction with the outward fulfillment of the law and the striving for the renewal of the spirit in truly evangelical piety.

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