What does "old is good enough" reveal about human nature in Luke 5:39? The setting in Luke 5:36-39 • Jesus is questioned about why His disciples do not fast like the Pharisees and John’s followers. • He answers with three connected pictures: a new patch on an old garment, new wine in old skins, and the statement about preferring old wine. • Luke 5:39: “And no one after drinking old wine wants new, for he says, ‘The old is good enough.’ ” • Each picture affirms that the arrival of the Messiah brings something truly new that cannot be forced into the framework of mere tradition. The meaning of “old is good enough” • It is a self-satisfied verdict pronounced by someone who has tasted the familiar and is unwilling to sample anything different. • In the parable, the “old” represents established religious customs that had become comfortable, while the “new” stands for the fresh, transformative covenant Christ offers. • The phrase exposes a heart that clings to habit even when God Himself presents something better. What this reveals about human nature • Inborn resistance to change – People frequently choose the predictable over the promising simply because it feels safer (cf. Jeremiah 6:16). • Attachment to tradition over truth – Traditions can be good, yet sinful hearts may elevate them above God’s current word (Mark 7:8-9). • Satisfaction with external religion – Outward forms may continue while inward renewal is ignored, echoing Isaiah’s warning that people honor God with lips while hearts remain distant (Isaiah 29:13). • Dullness toward spiritual renewal – Without the Spirit’s awakening, the natural person “does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Fear of the cost involved in changing – Accepting Christ’s new wine demands repentance, humility, and surrender (Luke 9:23), which the flesh resists. Supporting Scriptures that echo the principle • 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” • Ephesians 4:22-24 urges believers to “put off your former way of life” and “put on the new self.” • Hebrews 8:13 notes that the new covenant “has made the first one obsolete,” showing God Himself moves history forward. • Acts 11:1-18 records how early Jewish believers initially resisted Gentile inclusion, then recognized, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” The Spirit overcame their instinct to say, “old is good enough.” Living out the lesson today • Welcome the fresh work of Christ instead of defaulting to comfortable routines. • Weigh every tradition against Scripture, keeping what aligns with truth and releasing what hinders growth. • Cultivate a heart quick to obey when the Word exposes areas needing change. • Depend on the Holy Spirit, who alone empowers believers to exchange the “old self” for the “new self” daily. |
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