Jesus’ Lesson on Change: New Wine and Old Wineskins

AMY TURNER

In Luke 5:37–38, Jesus shares a simple image. He says that no one pours new wine into old wineskins, because the wine will cause them to break, spilling everything and ruining the skins. Instead, new wine must go into new wineskins. This lesson came when people questioned why Jesus and His disciples did not fast like others. His answer showed that when God does something new, people must also change how they respond.

As the message of Jesus spread to non-Jewish people, the early church had to rethink many old habits. Some traditions had to be left behind, while others had to be welcomed. This was not always easy, but it was necessary for God’s work to grow.

Today, this lesson still matters. We need to be willing to let go of our old habits, attitudes, and behaviors in order to fully embrace the new life that Jesus offers. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide us as we follow God’s fresh direction with willing hearts.

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