Meaning of Luke 5:39

This verse, spoken by Jesus in Luke 5:39, uses the analogy of wine to illustrate a profound spiritual truth about the transition from the old covenant to the new. The established preference for aged wine, considered superior by its drinkers, represents the entrenched traditions and religious practices of Judaism that many were accustomed to. The "new wine" symbolizes the radical, transformative message and reality of Jesus' ministry, the Kingdom of God, and the grace offered through him. The statement highlights the human tendency to resist or reject what is new and unfamiliar, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs and practices, even if the new is ultimately more beneficial and life-giving.

Context and Background

This statement by Jesus occurs within a narrative where he is dining with tax collectors and sinners, an act that drew criticism from the Pharisees and their scribes. They questioned his disciples about why Jesus ate and drank with such individuals, contrasting it with their own practices of fasting and adherence to strict religious observances (Luke 5:30-32). Jesus responds by explaining that he came to call sinners to repentance, comparing himself to a physician who tends to the sick rather than the healthy. He then uses two parables: one about patching an old garment with new cloth, which would tear it, and another about putting new wine into old wineskins, which would burst, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. Luke 5:39 is the conclusion and amplification of the wineskin analogy. The "old wine" and "old wineskins" represent the established religious framework of the Pharisees, while the "new wine" is the fresh, liberating message and power of Jesus' ministry.

Key Themes and Messages

• Resistance to the New: The primary theme is the inherent human resistance to radical change, particularly when it comes to deeply ingrained religious or cultural norms. People often find comfort and security in the familiar, even if it is less effective or complete.
• The Superiority of the New Covenant: Jesus implicitly asserts the superiority of his new covenant and ministry over the old covenant's traditions and practices. The "new wine" is not just different; it is presented as inherently better and more potent.
• Transformation vs. Preservation: The analogy highlights a tension between preserving old forms and embracing transformative new realities. The old wineskins, unable to contain the new wine, symbolize the inadequacy of the old religious structures to fully encompass or accommodate the work of Christ.
• Spiritual Inertia: The verse points to a spiritual inertia that can keep people bound to outdated or insufficient systems, preventing them from experiencing the fullness of God's present work.

Spiritual Significance and Application

From a spiritual perspective, this verse serves as a caution against spiritual pride and a rigid adherence to tradition that blinds one to God's ongoing work. It challenges believers to be open to the new ways God is moving, to the fresh revelations of His truth, and to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, even if these manifestations differ from what they are accustomed to. It encourages a continuous process of spiritual renewal and a willingness to let go of old, restrictive mindsets or practices that hinder spiritual growth and the reception of God's grace. The "new wine" represents the abundant life and liberty found in Christ, which cannot be contained by the brittle, outdated wineskins of legalism or mere ritualism.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is pivotal in understanding the transition from the Old Testament covenant to the New Testament covenant established through Jesus Christ. The Old Testament law, while holy and good, served as a tutor leading to Christ (Galatians 3:24). However, the traditions and interpretations of the law by some religious leaders had become rigid and burdensome, failing to capture the spirit of God's grace. Jesus' ministry inaugurated a new era, characterized by grace, forgiveness, and an inward transformation empowered by the Holy Spirit, rather than outward adherence to a complex set of external rules. This verse foreshadows the eventual obsolescence of the Levitical sacrificial system and the coming of a new covenant written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:13).

Analogies

• Modern Technology: Imagine trying to run the latest, most demanding software on an ancient, outdated computer. The hardware (old wineskin) is insufficient for the capabilities of the software (new wine).
• Education: A curriculum designed for the 19th century would be wholly inadequate for preparing students for the scientific and technological challenges of the 21st century.
• Marriage: A marriage that relies only on the superficial romance of the early dating phase, without developing deeper intimacy, trust, and shared growth, will eventually falter. The initial "spark" is like old wine, but sustained love requires the richer, deeper "new wine" of commitment and shared life.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 9:17 / Mark 2:22: These parallel passages in Matthew and Mark present the same analogy, reinforcing its importance.
• Jeremiah 31:31-34: This prophecy speaks of a "new covenant" that God will make with His people, writing His laws on their hearts, which is directly fulfilled in the new wine of Christ's ministry.
• Hebrews 8:13: This New Testament book explicitly states that in speaking of a "new covenant," God "made the first one obsolete."
• Galatians 3:24: The law served as a "custodian" to lead people to Christ, implying that once Christ arrived, the role of the law as a primary guide changed.
• Romans 6:4: Believers are "buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." This speaks to the newness of life in Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse directly echoes the theme of newness ushered in by Christ.