Something Old, Something New: The Parable of the Cloth and Wineskins

The news spread quickly through Capernaum: Levi had been converted. He was leaving his position as a tax collector to follow Jesus. Now he was hosting a great banquet to celebrate his new life. Many came to the feast with criticisms and questions directed at Jesus. “Why do you eat with publicans and sinners?” “Why don't you fast?” Two questions are followed up by three illustrations as Jesus explains his ministry:

I. Jesus is a Physician Who Came to Heal the Sick. (vv. 27-32)

II. Jesus is the Bridegroom Who Came to Share His Joy. (vv. 33-35)

III. Jesus is the Redeemer Who Makes All Things New. (vv. 35-39)

Do you need the soul healing balm of the Great Physician? Are you experiencing “newlywed” joy as you follow Him? Will you ask God to give you the wisdom to hang on to that which is important of the old and the courage to embrace what is best in the new?