Matthew 9:16

A piece of new cloth unto an old garment.

Christ the great Innovator

The boldness with which Christ asserted the novelty of Christianity. His was not the apologetic, half-hearted tone, so common amongst those who have some thing fresh to tell the world.

I. In what respect was the gospel of Jesus new?

1. In its idea of God. Jesus was the first to teach effectively the Fatherhood of God. The legal idea of God fell into desuetude. The old Jewish view of God was as an exactor; the new God of Jesus was a giver.

2. Along with the new idea of God came naturally a new conception of the kingdom of God; rather than law, it was viewed as love.

3. These thoughts were accompanied by a new way of life, the typical feature of which was neglect of fasting, which meant a conscience freed from legal scrupulosity.

II. The courage of Jesus was not less conspicuous than his originality in thought and conduct.

1. As He believed, so He spoke publicly, habitually.

2. He was equally unreserved in His action.

3. He was fearless in defence of His conduct when assailed.

4. The gloomy foreboding was not a mistaken one. The Bridegroom was taken from the sorrowing society. The duty arising out of these facts. To glorify Christ as the Maker of the new world. How is this to be done?

I. By recognizing to the full extent the service rendered, by forming to ourselves a broad, comprehensive idea of the vast change introduced into the world by the action of our Saviour.

2. By becoming ourselves children of the new era, appreciating and using to the fall the liberty of a Christian man. (A. B. Bruce, D. D.)

Religious patchwork

It is wrong-

I. In ritual.

II. In theology.

III. Is human character.

1. Disfigurement-“agreeth not.”

2. Injury “the rent is made worse.” (U. R. Thomas.)

The parable of the new piece of cloth

By an old garment I understand is meant a man’s own righteousness. It may be so compared.

1. Because it is old as Adam.

2. Because it is worn out.

3. It was once a new, good garment.

4. It needs mending.

But why is righteousness compared to a garment?

1. Because it is to cover nakedness.

2. Because it covers the shame of mankind.

3. Because of the usefulness of it.

4. In respect of ornament.

5. Because it tends to keep a man warm in winter.

6. It preserves from thorns and briars. (B. Keach.)