Fresh Faith in New Vessels - Sep. 1st, 2024

Luke 5:33–39 AV 1873

33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? 34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. 36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. 37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. 38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. 39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

Formal Elements / Descriptive Data

Topic: The incompatibility of the new and old covenants.

Subject: What is Jesus teaching about the new covenant in contrast to the old practices of fasting and religious rituals?

Complement: Jesus is teaching that the new covenant He introduces is incompatible with the old covenant, represented by old traditions and practices.

Exegetical Idea: Jesus illustrates through parables the necessity of leaving behind old religious practices to fully embrace the new life He offers in the kingdom of God.

Central Idea of the Text (CIT): Jesus teaches that the new covenant He brings cannot be contained within the old structures of Judaism, symbolized by fasting practices, and must be understood as a fundamentally new way of relating to God.

Major and Specific Objective of the Sermon

- Major Objective (MO): Doctrinal—The sermon should focus on teaching the congregation about the significance of the new covenant that Jesus establishes.

- Specific Objective (SO): To challenge the congregation to evaluate their own religious practices and traditions, ensuring they are aligned with the new life offered through Christ, rather than merely following outdated rituals.

Major Proposition of the Message: Jesus calls us to embrace the new life He offers, which cannot be confined within old religious traditions or practices.

Optional Structural Pattern: Contrast—Using the contrast between the old and new (old cloth vs. new cloth, old wineskin vs. new wineskin) to build the sermon.

Theme: Transformation—The need to embrace the transformation that Jesus brings, which requires a departure from old practices.

Doctrine: The New Covenant—The understanding that Jesus brings a new and living way to relate to God, fulfilling and surpassing the old covenant.

Need: The need for believers to understand and live out the new covenant, moving beyond mere ritual to a dynamic relationship with Christ.

Image: The imagery of old wineskins bursting when filled with new wine, illustrating the impossibility of mixing the new covenant with old practices.

Mission: To encourage the congregation to actively pursue a life transformed by the new covenant, leaving behind any reliance on outdated religious rituals.

Title: "Fresh Faith in New Vessels”

Informal Elements / Rhetorical Data

Introduction:

Begin with a story or illustration about how trying to use outdated methods or tools in modern contexts often leads to failure, setting the stage for the importance of new approaches in spiritual life.

Imagine the scene: You're standing on the edge of an ancient vineyard, where the sun casts long shadows across rows of twisted, gnarled vines. The grapes, heavy with the season's promise, are ripe and ready to be harvested. As you step closer, you notice the winemaker preparing to collect the juice from the freshly pressed grapes. But before the process begins, something significant takes place, something that speaks volumes about the care and preparation required for what is about to happen.

The winemaker doesn't simply reach for any container to hold this fresh, pure juice. Instead, he uses a new wineskin—one that has been carefully crafted from the hide of a goat. The process began with the sacrifice of the animal, whose skin was carefully removed in one piece, preserving the integrity of the material. The neck of the goat became the opening through which the juice would be poured. This skin was then treated, made supple and durable, perfectly suited to hold the fresh juice in its purest form.

[Alternatively, imagine him being a novice, going to get old wineskins to use, and finding out the hard way why that doesn’t work.]

This new wineskin is essential, not just for holding the juice, but for ensuring that it remains fresh, sweet, and pure. The old wineskins—those that had already served their purpose—would be brittle, unable to contain the vibrant, nourishing juice. They aren't even to be brought near the process, for to do so would be to risk contaminating or losing the precious juice.

As you watch this scene, you realize that it's about more than just grape juice. As Jesus paints this image of the new wineskin in the mind of His disciples, while calling out the Pharisees, illustrated a fundamental shift in His ministry—He has not come just to patch up the old ways, but to bring about a complete renewal through, not casting off the old, but fulfilling it. By this fulfillment, Jesus affirms the great value of that old system, but also signals to us that it has run its course. The old skins, like their old religious practices, had their time and place, but they couldn't hold the fresh, new life that Jesus was bringing.

Illustration:

Welch's grape juice has an interesting history, particularly relevant to those interested in its use within Christian worship contexts, especially among Baptists and other denominations that practice teetotalism.

The story of Welch's grape juice begins with Dr. Thomas Bramwell Welch, a dentist and Methodist minister in Vineland, New Jersey. In 1869, Dr. Welch developed a method for pasteurizing grape juice to prevent it from fermenting, thereby keeping it from turning into wine. His motivation was to provide a non-alcoholic option for Communion services, aligning with the temperance movement's ideals, which sought to reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Dr. Welch's process involved heating the grape juice to a temperature that would kill the yeast responsible for fermentation, thereby preserving the juice in its non-alcoholic form. This innovation was significant for churches that wanted to offer the "fruit of the vine" in Communion without the concerns associated with alcohol.

Initially, the idea did not catch on widely, and Welch struggled to find a market for his product. It wasn't until his son, Charles Welch, took over the business that the product gained more widespread acceptance. Charles was more commercially minded and marketed the grape juice not only as a sacramental wine substitute but also as a healthy beverage for everyday consumption. By the early 20th century, Welch's grape juice became a popular product in households and churches across the United States.

Today, Welch's grape juice remains a staple in many Protestant churches for Communion, symbolizing the blood of Christ in a way that aligns with the principles of those who abstain from alcohol. The story of Welch's grape juice is thus intertwined with the history of the temperance movement and the broader effort to provide an alcohol-free option for Christian worship.

Sub-intro:

In this passage, Jesus is questioned about why His disciples do not fast as often as the Pharisees or the disciples of John. Jesus responds by comparing Himself to a bridegroom at a wedding feast, suggesting that it is inappropriate to fast during a time of joy. He then uses two metaphors—a new patch on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins—to illustrate that His teachings cannot simply be added to or mixed with the old traditions. Instead, they require a new framework altogether. In simple terms, Jesus is teaching that His message and ministry bring something completely new and transformative, which cannot be contained within the old religious practices.

In Luke 5:33-39, Jesus was confronted by those who clung to the old ways, in fact, they had come to idolize them, much like we would feel about someone trying to destroy our American heritage. From the perspectives of their nationalized Judaism, we can see a little more clearly their questioning why His disciples didn't fast like others did. His answer wasn't just about fasting; it was about a new era, a New Covenant that He was ushering in. The new life that He offered couldn't be contained within the old structures. To try and force the new Gospel of the Kingdom into the old legalistic Judaistic traditions would be as futile as trying to pour fresh, pure grape juice into old, brittle wineskins—an act that would lead to both the destruction of the skin and the loss of the juice.

These images of new cloth for garments and new juice in new wineskins are central to understanding the transformation Jesus calls us to. It's not just about letting go of the old; it's about making room for the new, allowing our faith to be reshaped and renewed to hold the fullness of what Jesus offers. The sacrifice of the old is necessary to make way for the new. As we reflect on this, the question before us is clear: Are we ready to embrace the new life that Christ is offering, or are we clinging to old forms that no longer serve us?

The new juice of the gospel is ready to be poured out, but are we ready to receive it? Will we allow ourselves to be like new cloth? Will we remain teachable and moldable in the hands of God like those new wineskins, ready to expand, to be filled, stretched, and transformed by the living, active presence of Christ in our lives like His disciples in this passage? Or will we become complacent in our brittle and hard, scorched nature, only to be broken and unable to be used of God, like the Pharisees?

I. Facing the Familiar and Finding the Fresh (Luke 5:33-35)

Jesus’ Response to Questions about Fasting (Luke 5:33-35)

- Explanation: In the context, Jesus is questioned about why His disciples do not fast like others. Jesus responds by comparing His presence to a wedding celebration, where fasting is inappropriate.

- Illustration: Use the example of inappropriate behaviors at joyous events to illustrate how the presence of Jesus changes everything.

- Application: Challenge the congregation to consider whether they are clinging to old practices that are no longer appropriate now that they have a relationship with Christ.

- Transitional Sentence: Jesus continues by using two parables to further illustrate this point.

A. The Pharisees' Question: Why do the disciples of Jesus not fast like others? (v. 33)

Luke 5:33 AV 1873

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

As we continue to engage with the scene unfolding in Luke 5:33-39, we find ourselves confronted with a deep tension. The Pharisees, the religious guardians of the time, approach Jesus with a question that reveals their underlying concern: “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?” (Luke 5:33). To them, the lack of fasting by Jesus’ disciples was not just a matter of religious preference, but a signal that something was amiss, something that did not align with their expectations and traditions.

Fasting, deeply embedded in the Jewish religious system, was a symbol of piety, a means of mourning, and a way of seeking God's favor in times of need or repentance. It was a practice that had become synonymous with devotion to God. The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions, could not fathom why Jesus, a teacher gaining substantial attention, would allow His disciples to neglect such an important practice. Their question, though seemingly straightforward, was loaded with implications. It wasn't simply an honest inquiry; it was a direct challenge to Jesus' authority and the legitimacy of His ministry.

B. Jesus’ Response: The presence of the Bridegroom changes everything. (v. 34)

A NEW DAY HAS DAWNED

Luke 5:34 AV 1873

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Jesus' response, however, does not directly address their question in the terms they expect. Instead, He introduces an analogy in figurative language that shifts the focus altogether: "Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?" (Luke 5:34). In these words, Jesus subtly yet powerfully uncovers the source of the tension—He is the bridegroom, and His presence changes everything. What the Pharisees and many others failed to see was that Jesus' arrival signaled a new epoch, one that rendered the old forms inferior and in some cases, obsolete.

Yet, there's more to this than a mere misunderstanding of traditions. The real issue at hand is the Pharisees' ineptitude to recognize who Jesus is and what His presence embodies. Their attachment to the old ways has blinded them to the new reality staring them in the face. The traditions they hold so dear, which once served as the means to God's blessing on their wayward nation, have now morphed into barriers that thwart them from welcoming this new life that Jesus offers.

C. The Significance: The arrival of Jesus signals a new epoch that challenges old practices. (v. 35)

Luke 5:35 AV 1873

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

The parables that follow—the new garment on an old piece of clothing and the new wine in old wineskins—act as a stark portrait of this truth. Just as a new patch would tear an old garment, and new wine, that is, freshly pressed grape juice, that's what new wine is here, would burst old wineskins, so too would the New Covenant Jesus brings tear apart the old structures if forced into them. The Pharisees' are belligerently insisting on holding on to, not God's traditions, but their own old practices in the face of something radically new, hence, the rub: the struggle between the complacency of tradition and the challenge of transformation.

This tension is not just a matter of holding on the past, but if they don't get beyond this, it will bring enduring pain and conflict for their nation for the foreseeable future. In fact, because they refused to endure the discomfort of adjusting to bring their faith to placed in Jesus here, they will set in motion what will only be purged through what the prophets called, "The Time of Jacob's Trouble." Their decisions to undermine Jesus will lead them into tribulation and anguish. The discomfort that comes with change, especially change that disrupts long-held beliefs and practices, is something that many of us can relate to. We see in the Pharisees a reflection of our own struggles with letting go of the familiar in order to embrace the new things God is doing in our lives. It is this very tension—between the old and the new, the familiar and the transformative—that Jesus addresses in this passage.

As we consider the responses of the Pharisees, we must also consider our own. Are we so entrenched in our traditions, our ways of doing things, that we fail to see and accept the new work that God is accomplishing? Do we cling to the past so tightly that we miss the present and the future that Christ proffers to us? These are the questions that this passage raises, challenging us to examine our own lives in light of the New Covenant Jesus brings.

II. The Challenge of Change: Cultivating Fresh Faith (Luke 5:36)

The Parable of the Old Garment and New Patch (Luke 5:36)

Luke 5:36 AV 1873

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

A. The New Garment: Symbolizing the Gospel's salvific power. (v. 36a)

In its implications for our own lives, the message of Jesus in Luke 5:33-39, especially the parables He uses—the new garment and the new wine—cause us to weigh what it means to live in this newness of Christ which confronts us with the reality that embracing this new life often requires significant change.

The new garment, like the new wine, symbolizes the transformative power of the Gospel. It is not something that can be patched onto our old way of living; it requires a complete regeneration. Just as a new piece of cloth would tear away from an old garment, creating a larger hole, so too will the Gospel tear apart any attempt to simply add it to our old lives without true transformation. This metaphor speaks to the futility of trying to blend the new life in Christ with our old habits, mindsets, and practices.

Similarly, the image of new wine and old wineskins highlights the necessity of having a heart and life that are ready to expand and grow with the work of the Holy Spirit. Old wineskins, having become rigid and inflexible, are unfit to hold the new wine, which is dynamic and expanding. If we attempt to contain the new fruits of the Gospel within the old frameworks of our previous life, the result is inevitable—both the old structure and the new life are damaged.

B. The Old Garment: The futility of blending new life in Christ with old ways. (v. 36b)

- Explanation: Jesus uses the parable of not putting a new patch on an old garment to show that the new cannot simply be an addition to the old.

- Illustration: Use a visual or practical example (e.g., repairing an old piece of clothing) to show how ineffective it is.

There are Christian clothing brands and movements that emphasize the idea of newness, identity in Christ, and transformation, which could serve as effective illustrations for the “garment” aspect of your sermon on Luke 5:33-39. Here are a few that might serve your purpose:

1. Kerusso

• Overview: Kerusso is a well-known Christian apparel brand that creates clothing with biblical messages and symbols. Their name is derived from the Greek word for “preach,” and their mission is to spread the Gospel through fashion.

• Illustration: You could use Kerusso’s clothing as an example of how believers “put on” the new identity in Christ. Just as Kerusso creates garments that are designed to reflect one’s faith, so too does the new garment in Jesus’ parable represent the new life and identity that Christians receive when they follow Christ.

2. Active Faith Sports

• Overview: Active Faith Sports is a Christian sportswear company that designs athletic apparel with Christian messages. Their tagline is “In Jesus’ Name I Play,” and their clothing is meant to inspire athletes to integrate their faith into their daily lives.

• Illustration: You might draw a parallel between the old garment and the new garments that Active Faith offers, emphasizing how the new life in Christ requires us to “dress” differently—not just physically, but spiritually. The athletic apparel could also symbolize the active nature of our faith, which requires new strength, new energy, and a new way of living, akin to the new garment in the parable.

3. Beloved Shirts

• Overview: Beloved Shirts is a company that, while not explicitly Christian, has a variety of custom options, including Christian-themed designs. They emphasize individuality and the expression of one’s identity through what they wear.

• Illustration: This could be a way to talk about how our faith in Christ makes us a “new creation,” and that this new identity should be evident in how we “clothe” ourselves—not just physically, but in our behavior, attitudes, and actions. The emphasis on custom designs can represent the uniqueness of each person’s walk with Christ, just as no two garments are exactly alike.

4. Modest Apparel USA

• Overview: Modest Apparel USA is a company that specializes in modest clothing options for Christians, particularly focusing on aligning outward appearance with inward faith values.

• Illustration: This could serve to illustrate the concept of “putting on Christ” and how our outward appearance can be a reflection of the inward transformation that takes place when we follow Him. Just as Modest Apparel provides a new way to think about how we dress in a way that honors God, so does the new garment in Jesus’ parable signify a complete transformation that impacts all aspects of our lives.

- Application: Encourage the congregation to see their faith as something entirely new, not just an addition to their old life.

The implications for us are clear: we cannot simply try to fit Jesus into our existing lives without a willingness to change. The new life He offers requires new wineskins—a new heart, a new mind, a new way of living that is responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This new way of living isn't just about making external changes, but it's about allowing ourselves to be remade, the term Jesus used for Nicodemus is, "Born again," born of the Spirit from the inside out, which affects every part of who we are.

In our lives today, this might mean letting go of certain habits, beliefs, or traditions that no longer serve us in our walk with Christ. It could mean being open to new ways of thought, not so we can simply "do away with the old," but like Jesus did, fulfill the old ways, while affirming their value for their time, and for their generation, all the while serving and doing God's work, sometimes in new ways that will keep our generation and the next generations to come, aligned with the Kingdom of God. It may sometimes bring discomfiting introspection if we are to pinpoint the areas where we might be resistant to the new work God wants to do in us.

Jesus' message in this passage is a call to welcome the fullness of the New Covenant He brings. It is a covenant of unmerited favor, and leading to life abundant. But it is also a covenant that demands our total commitment to Jesus and our willingness to be made new by the Holy Spirit.

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: Are we ready to be new wineskins for outpouring and furtherance of the Gospel? Are we willing to undergo the adaptations that Jesus calls us to, even if it means letting go of what we once held dear, so long as no Bible doctrines or the things that identify us as Christ-followers, and more specifically, Baptists are compromised? Can we bring a new fervor to these old hymns of the faith? The disciples didn't change their song book. But they did change company with whom they sang them with. They received a new song in their heart. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).

III. Faith to Follow Through (Luke 5:37-39)

Exploring the Implications of New Life in Christ

The Parable of the New Wine and Old Wineskins (Luke 5:37-39)

- Explanation: Jesus explains that new wine must be put into new wineskins because the old ones would burst.

- Illustration: Use a modern analogy (e.g., using old technology to run new software) to illustrate the futility of combining the old and the new.

- Application: Urge the congregation to be flexible and open to the new ways God is working in their lives, shedding old forms that no longer serve.

A. The New Wine: Symbolizing the dynamic and expanding life in Christ. (v. 37)

As we continue to reflect on Jesus' words in Luke 5:33-39, we must consider not just the content of His teaching, but the broader implications it holds for our lives and our faith community. The images of the bridegroom, the new garment, and the new wineskins have set the stage, but now we turn our attention to what these images mean for us today, particularly in light of the grace that Christ extends to us.

Let's begin with the image of the bridegroom. While we've explored the joy that comes with His presence, there is an unspoken yet profound implication here: the invitation to intimacy. In the context of a Jewish wedding, the bridegroom's presence is not just a cause for celebration but also a signal that a deep, personal relationship is being formed. It is an invitation to come closer, to enter into a covenant relationship that is not based on ritual or obligation but on love and commitment. This is where the grace of God begins to unfold—not in distant adherence to tradition, but in the invitation to draw near to the One who embodies love itself.

Think about the story of Hosea, a prophet who was commanded by God to marry Gomer, a woman who would repeatedly be unfaithful to him. Hosea's life became a living illustration of God's relentless grace toward His people. Despite Gomer's unfaithfulness, Hosea continued to pursue her, redeeming her from the consequences of her actions. In this narrative, we see the bridegroom's love in a powerful light: a love that pursues, redeems, and restores. This is the grace that Jesus, as the ultimate Bridegroom, offers to us. It's not about patching up the old with pieces of the new, but about a complete and transformative renewal that only His love can bring.

B. The New Bottles (i.e., skins): Necessary to contain the new life, averting the destruction of the old. (v. 38)

Likelihood of "New Garments" and "New Wine" at Levi's Feast:

- Levi's Wealth: Levi, as a wealthy publican, might have had the means to provide new garments and new wine at the feast, though it is speculative.

- Garments of Pharisees and Scribes: Pharisees and "doctors of the law" may have worn fine, possibly new garments.

- Symbolic Use: Jesus’ reference to "new garments" and "new wine" in the parable is more likely symbolic, representing the new covenant rather than commenting on the actual items present at the feast.

Moving from the image of the bridegroom, let's consider the metaphor of the new wineskins from a fresh angle. We often think of the new wine as something that needs to be contained, something that must be carefully stored to avoid waste. But what if we viewed this image from the perspective of a vineyard owner? The process of making new wine begins long before it's poured into the wineskins. It starts with the careful pruning of the vines, the removal of the old growth to make way for new fruit. This imagery of pruning is echoed in Jesus' teaching in John 15:2, where He says, "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

Pruning is not a gentle process; it involves cutting away what is no longer beneficial to the vine. It's painful, but necessary for growth. The same is true in our spiritual lives. The grace of God often comes to us in the form of pruning, removing the old habits, mindsets, and even relationships that hinder our growth. It's through this process that we are prepared to receive the new wine—the fresh, vibrant life that Christ offers. Without this preparation, we risk becoming like the old wineskins, unable to contain the new work God desires to do in us.

To bring this closer to home, let's consider a personal story—a moment where grace met me in the midst of my own "pruning." There was a season in my life where I was clinging to an old way of thinking, a mindset that was comfortable but no longer serving me in my walk with Christ. It was a perspective that relied heavily on my own strength and understanding, much like the Pharisees' reliance on their traditions. It wasn't until I faced a significant challenge, one that forced me to confront my limitations, that I realized the need for a new approach. This was my moment of pruning—painful, yes, but necessary. Through it, I learned to lean more fully on God's grace, to let go of the old and embrace the new life He was offering. This personal pruning prepared me to be a new wineskin, ready to receive the fresh work God wanted to do in my life.

C. The Resistance to Change: The natural human tendency to prefer the old over the new. (v. 39)

1. Jesus’ Statement "The Old is Better" and Second Temple Judaism:

- Resistance to Change: This statement reflects the resistance of Jewish religious leaders to Jesus’ new covenant.

- "Fermented" Religion: The Jewish religious system had become rigid and legalistic, likened to "fermented" wine, which was no longer life-giving.

- Historical Backdrop: The failed Hasmonean dynasty, the withdrawal of the Essenes, the activism of the Zealots, and the compromises of the Pharisees and Sadducees contribute to the context of Jesus' parables.

2. Modern Parallels to Jesus' Audience:

- Modern Pharisees: Represented by legalistic or traditionalist Christians.

- Modern Publicans: Those who compromise or assimilate with secular culture.

- Modern Fishermen: Humble Christians open to the new work of the Spirit.

- Modern Doctors of the Law: Christians focused on intellectualism or theological precision.

- Modern Zealots: Christians involved in aggressive activism.

- Modern Essenes: Christians who withdraw from society or isolate themselves.

3. Parallels for Luke’s Greco-Roman Audience:

- Religious Pluralism: Similar to the many spiritual and philosophical options in the Greco-Roman world.

- Social Stratification: The pursuit of status in both the Roman world and modern society.

- Imperial Power and Pax Romana: Paralleled by modern reliance on political or military power.

- Moral and Ethical Philosophies: The Gospel challenges both ancient and modern ethical systems.

- Entertainment and Escapism: Jesus’ call challenges the distractions of both ancient public spectacles and modern entertainment.

4. Conclusion on Jesus’ Teachings:

- Challenge to Modern Christians: The Gospel calls for letting go of old, comfortable patterns and embracing the transformative power of the new covenant.

- Ongoing Need for Renewal: Emphasizes the importance of being open to new movements of the Holy Spirit and the new life in Christ.

Now, let's draw our attention to the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. She came to the well with an old wineskin, so to speak—a life shaped by broken relationships and societal rejection. Yet, when she encountered Jesus, He didn't simply offer her a patch for her old life; He offered her living water, something entirely new and transformative. She tried to understand His offer within the framework of her old life, asking if He was greater than Jacob who gave them the well. But Jesus gently guided her to see that what He offered couldn't be confined within her previous experiences or expectations. The living water He promised would become a wellspring within her, leading to eternal life.

This is the grace that Jesus extends to us today: not a patch for our old lives, but a completely new source of life, one that flows from within and transforms everything it touches. Like the Samaritan woman, we are invited to leave behind our old water jars—the symbols of our past efforts, failures, and misunderstandings—and embrace the new life that Jesus offers. This grace is not about fixing what's broken; it's about making all things new.

As we consider these implications, the question before us becomes clear: Are we willing to undergo the pruning necessary to become new wineskins? Are we ready to lay down our old water jars and receive the living water that Jesus offers? The grace of God is not just about what we receive; it's about who we become in the process. It's about being transformed into vessels that can carry the new wine of the Gospel, the living water of the Spirit, into a world that desperately needs it.

So, let's not just admire the new wine or the new garment from a distance. Let's allow God to prepare us, to prune us, and to fill us with the fresh life He offers. In doing so, we will not only experience His grace in our own lives, but we will become channels of that grace to others, bringing the new wine of the Gospel to a world that is thirsty for something real, something transformative, something eternal.

IV. Fulfilling the Great Commission with Fresh Faith

A. Espousal of the New Covenant: New vessels ready to receive and share the Gospel.

As we bring our reflection on Luke 5:33-39 to a close, we are reminded of the mission that Christ sets before us—a mission that is rooted in the transformative power of the Gospel. The call to be new wineskins is not just a call to personal transformation; it is a call to participate in the ongoing work of God's Kingdom in the world.

Jesus' metaphors of the new garment and new wine challenge us to not only embrace change within ourselves but to be agents of change in our communities. The fruit of the Spirit is meant to overflow into every area of our lives, influencing the way we interact with others, the way we approach our work, and the way we engage with the world around us.

As disciples of Christ, we are called to carry this new life in Christ into a world that is often resistant to change. This means sharing the message of the Gospel with those who are still clinging to the old ways, often times, trapped, and living in sin's bondage. We must allow God's rivers of living water to flow out from our inner person, if we are to help those lost in sin find new life that Jesus offers. It means being bold in our witness, unafraid to speak of the joy and freedom that come from knowing Christ. And it means living in such a way that others can see the salvation power of the Gospel at work in us.

The mission of the church is to be a community of new vessels—flexible, adaptable, stretchable, not-easily-breakable, pliable, not brittle, and ready to receive and share the new life of the Gospel. This requires a commitment to growth, to learning, and to being led by the Holy Spirit in all that we do. It requires a willingness to let go of anything that no longer serves the mission of making disciples and to embrace new ways of reaching a world in need of Christ.

B. The Call to Mission: Carrying the message of hope and new life in Christ to the world.

Conclusion: Summarize the importance of fully embracing the new covenant Jesus offers. Motivate the congregation to leave behind any practices or beliefs that hinder their walk with Christ, encouraging them to live out their faith in a dynamic and transformative way.

As we go out from here, let us remember that we are not called to cling to the old but to step boldly into the new. This new Gospel life is powerful, dynamic, and is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. It is meant to be shared, to be poured out for the sake of others, and to make a difference in our communities and beyond.

Are you a new vessel today? Have you received the eternal life that Jesus gives by placing your faith in His fulfillment of the old, by paying the redemption price and ransom for your sin-sick soul? Are you ready and willing to expand with the work that God is doing in and through us. Let us be vessels of His love, grace, and truth in a world that desperately needs to experience the new life that only Christ can give. And let us rejoice in the privilege of being part of His mission, knowing that as we do, we are participating in the expansion of His Kingdom on earth. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians, we have this "treasure in earthen vessels."

This is the mission of the Gospel—to bring new life to the world, to be born again, "born of the Spirit, with life from above, into God's family divine," by the power of Christ, and to carry that message of hope in eternal life to others. A vessel filled with the Holy Spirit will be a vessel empowered by Him to remain committed to living out the new life that Jesus has given us.

Fill in the blanks as you explore the fresh faith that Jesus offers:

1. The presence of Jesus signals a new epoch.

2. The new garment symbolizes the Gospel's transformative power.

3. The new wine must be put into new bottles.

4. Are you a new vessel today?