New Wineskins and New Leadership — Wednesday, May 20, 2026

FAITH ARTICLE

THE PARABLE

"Neither is there new wine put into old wineskins. Otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved." (Matthew 9:17 ESV)

Jesus delivered this parable during a conversation with the Pharisees and John's disciples as He explained the new reality of His kingdom. This was amidst questions about fasting and the practices of His followers. The underlying message called into question the old ways of the Law and introduced the radical newness of the Gospel.

JESUS' EXPLANATION

Although the parable lacks an explicit interpretation by Jesus, its meaning unfolds within the context: Jesus embodies the new covenant, which cannot be contained within the constraints of the old legal system. He challenges the established religious customs that cannot accommodate the radical Gospel message.

COMMENTARY

In this parable, Jesus underscores the transformative power of God’s grace. God's sovereignty in establishing a new covenant reflects His divine initiative to renew hearts and minds. The old wineskins of the Law symbolized the insufficiency of works-based righteousness. This calls us to consider our own spiritual 'wineskins.' Are we resistant to God’s redemptive work in favor of comfortable traditions? In the Reformed understanding, we find that salvation comes through grace—new wine requiring a heart transformed by the Spirit. So, dear reader, let us embrace the fullness of Christ’s work, allowing His grace to expand and reshape our lives.

FEATURED GAME OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious over the San Diego Padres with a tight 5-4 win. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, climaxing in a decisive last-inning performance by Mookie Betts, who drove in the winning run. Clayton Kershaw's commanding presence on the mound helped secure the Dodgers' triumph, despite a resilient Padres lineup. This clash showcased the importance of perseverance and execution under pressure.

MLB LEAGUE RECAP

Tuesday's action highlighted the prowess of the Atlanta Braves' offense as they defeated the Miami Marlins 8-4, cementing their place at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds secured a 4-1 win against the Philadelphia Phillies, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Boston Red Sox overpowered the Kansas City Royals 7-1, while the Texas Rangers decimated the Colorado Rockies 10-0, marking their dominance. The Houston Astros narrowly bested the Minnesota Twins 2-1, and the Oakland Athletics unleashed a remarkable 14-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox edged out the Seattle Mariners 2-1 in a pitching duel. As the season progresses, these games underscore a tightly contested battle for divisional supremacy and wild card contention.

Today's Proverb