Matthew 9:17

"No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse hole is made."

Key Reflection

In Matthew 9:17, Jesus uses a simple illustration to convey a profound truth about change and unity. He likens trying to integrate new teachings or practices into old ways of thinking to putting unshrunk cloth on an old garment; the patch would simply tear away, creating an even larger hole. This image suggests that true transformation requires a fresh start rather than superficial repairs, highlighting the need for wholehearted commitment to new principles in order to maintain integrity and coherence.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 17. Neither do men put new wine, etc. The third illustration was taken from wine put into bottles. Bottles, in eastern nations, were made, and are still, of skins of beasts. Generally the skin was taken entire from a sheep or a goat, and, properly prepared, was filled with wine or water. They are still used, because, in crossing deserts of sand, they have no other conveyances but camels, or other beasts of burden. It would be difficult for them to carry glass bottles or kegs on them. They therefore fill two skins, and fasten them together, and lay them across the back of a camel, and thus carry wine or water to a great distance.

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