The Parable of the Unshrunk Patch is found in all three synoptic Gospels: Matthew 9:16; Mark 2:21; and Luke 5:36.
The Story
"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making
the tear worse. (Matthew 9:16, New International Version).
"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse." (Mark 2:21, New International Version).
"He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old." (Luke 5:36, New International Version).
The Unshrunk Patch, New Wine in Old Skins and The Old and New Wine are three parabolic illustrations that Jesus
gave in answer to the question, "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but
yours are not?" (Mark 2:18c, New International Version).
Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have
him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and on that day they will
fast. (Mark 2:19-20, New International Version).
Jesus then presented the parabolic illustration of the Unshrunk Patch. If an old garment were torn, and an unshrunk
piece of cloth were to be sewn over the tear, it would shrink when the garment was washed, making a worse tear in the old
garment. Luke's account (Luke 5:36) differs slightly and could be classified as another parable. However, since it occurs in
the same context, we will use the difference to amplify the parable. It could be that Jesus told the parable differently
to another audience.
The Interpretation
The old garment represents Judaism. The new garment represents Christianity. The new patch represents Christ's
teaching. Jesus did not come to do away with the Law. He came to fulfill the Law and to "fill it full." Jesus said,
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (Matthew 5:17-18, New International Version).
Jesus fulfilled over 300 Old Testament prophecies. He also taught the original intent of the Law. In fact, much of the
Old Testament has been fulfilled, and is fittingly described as the "old garment." Much of the Old Covenant is a type of the New Covenant. For example, the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant is a type of Jesus' one sacrifice for the sins of the world.
The Old Covenant cannot be "patched" with the new teachings of Christ. It has been transcended with the New Covenant. However, as Jesus has stated, The Old Testament still remains God's Word. The Old Covenant and New Covenant cannot be mixed--they are incompatible. However, the Old Covenant is still valid as far as it goes, and in areas that have not been
transcended. Luke adds that the removal of any part of the New Covenant will damage it. This could refer especially to
salvation by works (autosoterism). Jesus died on the cross for our salvation and for the salvation of the Old Testament
saints. No one can save himself or keep himself saved.
Central Truth
THE NEW COVENANT HAS REPLACED THE OLD COVENANT.
Conclusion
Let us respect both the Old Testament and the New Testament. However, we must carefully interpret the Old Testament in the light of New Testament teachings. Jesus, who inspired both the Old and New Testaments, is the key to interpreting both.
END