Understanding Luke 5:36

Verse: "He also told them a parable: No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise, the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old."

Summary of Meaning

In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of clothing to illustrate the incompatibility between old religious practices and the new teachings He brings. Just as one cannot patch an old garment with new fabric without causing further damage, the old traditions of Judaism cannot be mixed with the new covenant He is introducing.

Insight from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ teachings as a radical departure from established religious customs. He suggests that trying to combine old and new teachings leads to discord and confusion. The new garment symbolizes the Gospel, which cannot coexist with the outdated practices that Jesus sought to fulfill and redefine.

• Albert Barnes: Barnes interprets this verse in the context of the broader ministry of Jesus. He notes that the old covenant was destined to be replaced by the new covenant. Jesus uses this parable to highlight that His message and mission bring a transformative change to the way believers relate to God, requiring a complete overhaul of their spiritual understanding.

• Adam Clarke: Clarke points out that garments in the ancient world had practical importance. The act of sewing new cloth onto old clothing serves as a metaphor for attempting to integrate new spiritual insights into an outmoded framework. He stresses that this verse captures the essence of Jesus’ transformative message and its implications for future followers.

Cross-References

Luke 5:36 connects with several other scripture passages, enhancing our understanding of this verse:

• Matthew 9:16-17 - Similar teaching about new wine and old wineskins, highlighting the incompatibility of old and new.
• Hebrews 8:13 - Discusses the obsolescence of the first covenant in light of the new covenant established by Christ.
• Galatians 5:1 - Encouragement to stand firm in the freedom offered by Christ, emphasizing reformation over tradition.
• Colossians 2:14 - Declaring that Christ has canceled the old decree that stood against us, pointing towards newness in Him.
• Romans 6:4 - Talks about walking in newness of life as a result of being united with Christ in His resurrection.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Affirms that anyone in Christ is a new creation, underscoring the transformative power of following Christ.
• Mark 2:22 - Similar reference made regarding old wineskins, reinforcing the teachings on new beginnings in Christ.

Theological Themes

This verse encapsulates several important theological themes, including:

• Transformation: The necessity for a fundamental shift in how believers relate to God and His word.
• New Covenant: The establishment of a new relationship with God through Christ that transcends the former laws and traditions.
• Rejection of Legalism: An argument against the rigid adherence to old customs that hinder spiritual growth.

Inter-Biblical Dialogue

This verse prompts an examination of various inter-Biblical dialogues surrounding the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. Insights drawn from it encourage readers and scholars alike to explore how the message of Jesus fulfills and transforms prior revelations, leading to:

• A deeper understanding of the transition from the Law to grace.
• Explorations of how the prophetic messages find fulfillment in Jesus’ life and teachings.
• Connections between the mission of Jesus and the mission of the early church as they embraced the new message.

Practical Applications

Believers today can take away several practical lessons from this verse:

• Embrace change: Be open to the ways God is introducing newness into your faith journey.
• Examine traditions: Evaluate personal and communal practices that may no longer serve the purpose of fostering a genuine relationship with God.
• Seek the new: Pursue deeper understanding and revelation that align with the heart of Christ and His teachings.

Conclusion

Luke 5:36 challenges believers to recognize that faith in Christ invites transformation and a fresh perspective on their spiritual lives. The insights from various commentaries, as well as the cross-references to other scriptures, serve to deepen our understanding of the radical change that Jesus brought to humanity.