Things Old and New

We all like new things. Things get old and wear out. Sometimes we simply get tired of the old. But, we also highly value some old things because they are comfortable and treasured.

We enjoy getting a new pair of shoes, but we still love our old, comfy slippers. We enjoy meeting new people and making new friends, but what is dearer than an old friend with whom we share so much history? Companies hype “new and improved” products with new ingredients, formulas and features. But sometimes we still like the old and wish they wouldn’t change it.

Jesus came preaching both new and old things. On one occasion, Jesus was asked by His disciples to explain the parables He had spoken to the multitudes (Matthew 13:34–50). After Jesus explained them, He asked His disciples if they understood. They answered that they did, and then Jesus said, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old” (vv. 50–52).

A “householder” entertains guests by serving fresh food and drink, like seasonal fruits and juices. He also serves things that are old, like dried dates, figs, raisins, aged cheeses, and wines or other strong drink made better by aging.

People were astonished at Jesus’ teaching (Mark 1:22) and said “What new doctrine is this?” (v. 27). Christ brought forth “new and old” things. He taught the same law of God but with a new, amplified, spiritual dimension in understanding and application. His disciples were to follow His example, teaching “old truths” and applying them to new circumstances. The Apostle Paul said: “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh…” (Hebrews 10:19–20).

Contrary to the beliefs of many, Jesus did not come to destroy the commandments. In fact, He warned, “Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets” (Matthew 5:17–18). Then Jesus mentioned several commandments as examples, explaining the spirit of those laws.

For example, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…” (Matthew 5:21–22). Also, “…whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27–28). “Old” commandments, but with new applications!

Shortly before He was arrested and crucified, Christ said: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). But Christ was simply amplifying the old commandment of “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

The Apostle John reminded the Church to “keep His commandments” and to “walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:3, 6). John then said, “Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining” (vv. 7–8).

John’s second epistle states: “And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments” (2 John 1:5–6).

Treasure both the new and the old. You may find the following helpful: “Who Was the God of the Old Testament?” and Restoring Original Christianity.