New Cloth, New Wine Parables

In the name of The Father, of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit. AMEN. 

As a person who is learning to sew (pre-beginner, beginner level) and as a teacher  I see how Jesus utilizes previously known information to get his message across. He teaches his disciples and followers by stating things that the average person of his day would know or recognize. Today we are able to define and interpret his teachings thanks to study bibles, bible study groups, and educated ministers. So we are able to translate words such as mites and talents into today's equivalency of money. 

There are a few ways to look at the parable. One is to focus solely and directly on Matt 9:16. 

Matthew 9:16 to the point. 

The other option is to see the full story in context. 

Matthew 9:14-17 full context of the parable. 

Focus will be given on the full picture before focusing in on the parable. Many times, upon reading the bible, you will see many parables teamed up.   In this first one Matthew shows Jesus giving two parables to prove his point. The parable of the new cloth and old garment and the parable of the new wine and old wine skin.  

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The followers of John ask Jesus,   "Why do we and the Pharisees fast (much), but your disciples do not?" Jesus went on to state that 

• a wedding party does not mourn while the groom is still with them. (15)

• no-one sews an unshrunk new patch of cloth to an old garment. (16)

• no one pours new wine into an old wine skin. (17)

If all members of the wedding party are present no one is mourning. Everyone is extremely happy. 

Likewise, if you need to patch up a hole on an old cloth you pick a cloth that has already been washed and shrunken. This way the patch being sewn on doesn't tug at the old garment and create new problems. 

While Jesus was still with his disciples there was no need for mourning. He is the lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, the Christ. There was no need for his disciples to fast. After his crucifixion his apostles and disciples DID fast, did mourn and did pray. (Acts 1)

Caridad de las Mercedes