Luke 5:39 – “And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus concludes His parable about new wine and old wineskins with an important observation: people tend to prefer what they’re familiar with. When someone is used to drinking old wine, which is smoother and more refined, they’re less likely to appreciate or accept new wine, which is still fermenting and can be harsher. Jesus is using this metaphor to address the resistance of the Pharisees and other religious leaders to His new teaching. They were so attached to their traditions, rituals, and understanding of the Mosaic Law that they couldn’t see the goodness of the new covenant Jesus was offering.

The statement “The old is better” reveals a deeper truth about human nature—we often resist change, even when it’s for the better. The Pharisees believed that the old religious system was sufficient, and they couldn’t comprehend the need for the new life that Jesus was bringing.

Historical Context

In Jesus’ time, wine was an important part of daily life and religious ceremonies. The process of making wine involved fermentation, and older wine was generally considered better because it had a richer, smoother flavor. New wine, on the other hand, was still fermenting and could be more acidic and less appealing to the palate. Jesus’ audience would have understood the natural preference for old wine and the tendency to reject the new.

The Pharisees and many of the Jewish leaders were deeply rooted in the traditions and practices of the Mosaic Law. They believed that strict obedience to the Law and the rituals surrounding it were the path to righteousness. When Jesus began teaching about grace, repentance, and inner transformation, many of them rejected His message because it didn’t fit within their established framework. Just like someone who prefers old wine, they clung to what they knew rather than embracing the new.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals several important theological truths:

1. People naturally resist spiritual change. Just as a person accustomed to old wine may reject new wine, people often resist the new life Jesus offers because it requires letting go of old habits, beliefs, and self-reliance.
2. The new covenant is superior, but not everyone will see it that way. The old covenant, based on the Law, pointed to people’s need for a Savior, but it couldn’t provide the full forgiveness and transformation that the new covenant in Christ offers. However, those who are comfortable with religious rules and self-righteousness may struggle to see the beauty of grace.
3. God’s work requires a willingness to change. Accepting Jesus means being willing to leave behind old ways of thinking and living, trusting that what He offers is far better.

This verse challenges us to examine whether we are holding on to old ways that prevent us from fully embracing the new life Jesus offers.

Literary Analysis

Luke places this statement at the end of the parable, making it a powerful conclusion to Jesus’ teaching about the incompatibility of the old and new. The phrase “The old is better” highlights the tension between human perception and divine reality. While people may think that the old way of doing things is better because it’s familiar, Jesus is pointing out that this mindset can prevent them from experiencing the true blessings of the new covenant.

The metaphor of wine and wineskins creates a vivid image of change and transformation. The idea of “new wine” symbolizes the fresh, dynamic work of God through Jesus, while “old wine” represents the established religious system. The parable challenges the audience to consider whether they are willing to be transformed or whether they will cling to the past.

Biblical Cross-References

• Jeremiah 6:16 – “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” This highlights the resistance of people to follow God’s leading.
• Hebrews 8:13 – “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”
• 2 Corinthians 3:14 – “But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read.”
• Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God calls His people to embrace His new work rather than clinging to the past.

These references emphasize the importance of letting go of the old and embracing the new work of God.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a warning against resisting spiritual growth and transformation. It’s easy to become comfortable with old habits, traditions, or ways of thinking and to resist the changes God wants to make in our lives. But if we cling too tightly to the past, we may miss out on the new things God wants to do.

This verse also challenges us to examine whether we’re relying on old religious practices or rituals instead of embracing the new life that comes through a personal relationship with Jesus. The Pharisees relied on their adherence to the Law to feel righteous, but Jesus calls us to rely on His grace and the work of the Holy Spirit to transform us.

Additionally, this verse reminds us that change can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for spiritual growth. Just as new wine requires new wineskins, spiritual renewal requires us to be open to God’s work in our lives.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His desire to bring us something new and better, even when we resist it. He doesn’t want us to stay stuck in old ways of thinking or living—He wants us to experience the abundant life that comes through Jesus. His love is patient, and He continues to call us to let go of what is familiar and trust Him with the new.

God’s love is also evident in the fact that He understands our struggles with change. He knows that letting go of old habits and mindsets isn’t easy, but He gently leads us toward transformation, providing the grace we need to grow.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse points directly to Jesus as the one who brings the new covenant, offering something far better than the old system of the Law. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the Law and introduces a new way of relating to God based on grace and faith. However, just as the Pharisees struggled to accept this new way, we can also struggle to fully embrace the life Jesus offers.

The metaphor of new wine connects to the joy and celebration that Jesus brings. In John 2:1-11, Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding, symbolizing the abundant blessings of His kingdom. This verse challenges us to embrace the joy of the new life Jesus provides, even when it means stepping out of our comfort zones.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any old habits, beliefs, or traditions that are keeping you from fully embracing the new life Jesus offers?
2. How can you remain open to the new things God wants to do in your life, even when they feel uncomfortable?
3. What does this verse teach you about the difference between relying on religious rules and living by grace?
4. In what ways has God called you to leave behind the familiar in order to grow spiritually?
5. How can you encourage others who may be struggling to let go of old ways and embrace the new work of God?

This verse reminds us that while change can be difficult, God’s new work in our lives is always worth it. As we let go of old ways and embrace the new life Jesus offers, we can experience the fullness of His grace, joy, and transformation. When we trust Him with the process, we will see that the “new wine” of His Spirit is far better than anything we could have imagined.