Do Not Make a Tradition the Measure of Everyone

“Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.”

Matthew 9:14-17 KJV

A familiar religious practice had become the basis for comparing groups. Jesus answered by directing attention to Himself and the meaning of His presence. The issue could not be settled simply by asking whether His disciples followed the pattern others expected.

Read the passage carefully

The cloth and wineskin illustrations should be interpreted within that answer, not turned into a slogan that every new idea is better than an old one. Scripture honors faithful traditions while correcting human practices that displace God's commands. The coming of Christ is the decisive reality here. He has authority to explain the proper response to His own ministry.

In church and family life, distinguish biblical requirements from customary methods. A useful schedule, style, or practice can serve people well without becoming a command God gave to every believer. Explain the reason for a custom, listen to legitimate concerns, and assess changes by Scripture and their actual effect. Avoid judging a person's devotion solely by how closely he repeats the habits most familiar to you.