THE HOUSE HOLDER—Matt 13:51-52
TEXT
"Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied. 52 He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."
Following His explanation of ’The Parable Of The Dragnet’ (Matt 13: 47-50), we find Jesus asking His disciples: "Have you under-stood all these things?" (Matt 13:51)
I am quite sure this question relates not just to the preceding parable, but also to all of those recorded in this chapter: All of which reveal truths related to "the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" Matt 13:11
a. The Parable Of The Sower- Matt 13:3-9,18-23
b. The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares - Matt 13:24-30,36-43.
c. The Parable Of The Mustard Seed - Matt 13:31-32
d. The Parable Of The Leaven - Matt 13:33
e. The Parable Of The Hidden Treasure - Matt 13:44
f. The Parable Of The Pearl Of Great Price - Matt 13:45-46.
g. The Parable Of The Dragnet - Matt 13:47-50.
When His disciples answer in the affirmative, Jesus tells yet another parable, this one is called, The Parable Of The Householder Matt 13:52. You will notice however that this parable is describing those who have been instructed (especially ’scribes’ ’teachers;) concerning the kingdom and does not concern itself so much with the Kingdom of Heaven itself.
Let us now take the time to consider what Jesus said; hoping to glean what truths and principles we can from Him.
THE PARABLE ITSELF, JESUS IS MAKING A POINT ABOUT A ‘SCRIBE’ (TEACHER)
From the "Holman Bible Dictionary", a scribe was a "Person trained in writing skills and used to record events and decisions Jer 3:26; 1 Chron 24:6; Esther 3:12. During the Exile in Babylon educated scribes apparently became the experts in God’s written word, copying, preserving, and teaching it. Ezra was a scribe in this sense of expert in teaching God’s word (Ezra 7:6). A professional group of such scribes developed by New Testament times, most being Pharisees (Mark 2:16). They interpreted the law, taught it to disciples, and were experts in cases where people were accused of breaking the Law of Moses. They led in plans to kill Jesus (Luke 19:47) and heard His stern rebuke (Matt 23). They were more than simply copyists, but students and instructors as well. It would be assumed, therefore, that a scribe would be expected to understand the finer points of the Law of Moses
INSTUCTED CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
’Jesus’ point is not about a normal scribe, who would understand only the law. But a scribe who would be instructed about the kingdom of heaven (via the parables)
SUCH A SCRIBE IS LIKE A HOUSEHOLDER
A householder with ’treasure’, something of great value, treasure that is both ’new’ and ’old’. The "old" treasure would be his understanding of the Law and ’new’ treasure would be his understanding of the kingdom of heaven the [The parable and its "explanation" appear simple enough to understand. But there are also "implications" from the parable that are worthy of careful consideration...]
WHAT THE PARABLE IMPLIES
It implies that every disciple is like a scribe, because the parable was told in response to a question asked of His disciples. Because His disciples had been told that only by understanding the Word can one bear good fruit -Matt 13:23 and were then asked whether they "understood all these things?" –Matt 13:51 [Understanding God’s Word was a fundamental aspect of being a scribe, so it was to being a disciple!]. Elsewhere Jesus makes it clear that His disciples must be like scribes. The very word "disciple" means a "learner", which requires one to be like a scribe
In the Great Commission, Jesus told His apostles to "make disciples" (learners) –Matt 28:19 His disciples would then be "taught" all that Christ commanded – Matt 28:20
EVERY DICIPLE IS LIKE A HOUSEHOLDER WITH TREASURE
That treasure is the Word of God, which even with the partial revelation of the Old Testament was more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold". Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The and altogether righteous .ordinances of the LORD are sure 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Prov 3:13-18 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
The value of that treasure is enhanced with the full and final revelation of God’s Will through His Son Jesus Christ –Col 2:2-3 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
EVERY DICIPLE HAS BOTH OLD AND NEW TREASURE
Some Christians may downplay the importance of the Old Testament, but we shouldn’t! It was written for our learning, to provide patience, comfort and hope - Ro 15:4 and was written for our admonition - 1 Co 10:11. Is it right to throw away old treasure, just because we have been blessed to receive new?
The ’old’ can help us appreciate more fully that the ’new’, it can help make us "wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ" – 2 Tim 3:14-15. It is still 2 Ti 3:16-17 scripture inspired of God Of course, we must "rightly divide" the word of truth –2 Ti 2:15 By observing the distinction between the Old and New Covenants – Heb 8:6-13 by remembering that it is the fuller revelation provided by the New that helps to explain the "mystery" of the Old e.g.,Luke 24:25-2;44-47
It was not until Jesus fulfilled and then explained Old Testament prophecies that His disciples were able to understand, so we should not seek to understand the New in light of the Old, but the Old in light of the New!
CONCLUSION
The main point I wish to stress is that as disciples of Jesus we have been richly blessed! Jesus said it was because we have been blessed to see and hear things others did not - Matt 13:16-17 When we understand the parables and His other teachings concerning the kingdom of heaven, as well as the Old Testament, then we have treasure added upon treasure! But we must be like the scribes of old to enjoy these treasures emulating especially the example of Ezra – Ezra 7:10. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
We need to prepare our beans to seek the Word, to do it, and then to teach it... Do we appreciate the great treasure we have available to us? Do we appreciate its greatness because it alone points us to Him who is the centre and theme of its revelation, Jesus Christ? And to His kingdom that is everlasting? Or are we like so many, who forsake this great treasure for that which is temporary, and does not really satisfy?
Don’t allow the distractions of this world to cause the "treasures" to slip through your fingers!
