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The question about fasting
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A new patch beside a worn garment
A fresh piece of cloth is held above a worn garment. Jesus uses the familiar problem of an unsuitable repair while answering a question about fasting: the new patch can pull at the old cloth and make the tear worse. The comparison invites His hearers to consider what His ministry means before forcing it into their expectations.
A question about fasting gives this small picture its setting. John's disciples ask why they and the Pharisees fast while Jesus' disciples do not. Jesus first speaks of the joy of wedding guests while the bridegroom is with them, then turns to the familiar work of repairing clothing. Matthew 9:14-17
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A repair that deepens the tear
A piece of new cloth does not make a sound repair simply because it covers the hole. When it pulls against an old garment, the damage becomes worse. Luke sharpens the picture by describing a piece taken from a new garment: the attempted repair harms what is new and does not match what is old. Luke 5:36
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When the repair deepens the tear
Stitches still hold part of the pale patch, but the older cloth has opened around it. Jesus' comparison turns on that worsening tear: placing new cloth on an old garment does not make a sound repair simply because it covers the first hole. Read the image within His answer about fasting and the significance of His presence.
The comparison belongs to Jesus' answer about His ministry. He is asking His hearers to understand what is happening in His presence, rather than force His disciples into an expectation without considering its setting. Keep the repair itself in view: a patch meant to help can make the damage worse.
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Receiving what Jesus is teaching
How do we respond when a teaching challenges a familiar habit? Do we listen long enough to understand it, or immediately trim it to fit an existing habit? That reflection should remain humble: Jesus' image does not mean that everything old is worthless or every novelty is true.
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New Wine and Wineskins
Wine needs a vessel able to receive it. Jesus uses this ordinary image to help His hearers consider the significance of His presence and teaching.
Open study →The Bridegroom and His Guests
The bridegroom's presence makes the occasion one of joy. Jesus answers a question about fasting through the significance of His own mission.
Open study →Hearing and Living His Word
Continue through the connected teachings in this collection and compare their distinct settings.
Open study →