Treasures New and Old: The Householder

READ MATTHEW 13:51-52.

Matthew 13 is a collection of Jesus’ teachings on the kingdom of God. He illustrates the mysteries.

“God’s soveriegn rule, introduced through the ministry of Jesus on earth when all kingdoms become like the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Lesson’s

The Sower (13:3-17) To grow under sound teaching, hearts must be aligned to receive.

The Wheat and Weeds (13:24-30, 36-43) In God’s kingdom, we live aware of the unseen battle now, while resting in the certainty of what’s ahead.

The Mustard Seed (13:31-32) Do not underestimate small beginnings-the kingdom starts quietly, but grows into lasting impact.

The Leaven (13:33) The kingdom grows in the ways leaven work: hidden, quiet, and unstoppable.

The Treasure and the Pearl (13:44-46) The kingdom is worth joyful surrender.

The Net (13:47-50) The kingdom invitation is available, but judgment is real.

Jesus said, “Have you understood these things?”

How would you feel inclined to respond to Jesus?

Understanding leads to stewardship.

1. A scribe is trained for kingdom work.

“All these things” - Only place in sctripture when disciples are said to explicitily understand, and the disciples say it themselves.

“scribe” - A class of scholars who teach, copy, and interpret the Jewish law for people.

Having knowledge that could teach other committed learners. Capable of setting rules for conduct.

Jesus referred to a different type of scribe.

One whose allegiance had been transformed.

Becoming a scholar means developing a deep expertise in a discipline and dedicating to lifelong learning, critical thinking, and knowledge production.

Academic - Terminal degree, contributes to academic research.

Independent - Create curriculum, share work, and access resources.

Scribes were trained. A scribe of the kingdom is “given” understanding and their allegiance is transformed.

Now a disciple of the kingdom.

By acknowledging Christ, we assume kingdom responsibility.

2. Those who understand the gospel generously share with others.

The disciples were beginning to understand the new things Jesus was teaching in conjunction with the traditions from the Scriptures they already knew. Jesus wasn’t describing a special class of Christians.

Discipled people bring out what they have been taught to help the world understand the kingdom and follow Jesus.

“Brings out” (lit. Flingeth forth) - Zeal in communication, and a heart for people.

“old and new” - The New is not added to the old; there is one revelation, and its focus is the “new” that is fulfilled and renewed by the Old.

Deep Discipleship - Book of Prayers

There is a strong focus on the mission of the kingdom to evangelize lost people and to make disciples.