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Matthew 13:51-52
In Matthew 13:51 (NKJV) Jesus said to His disciples, “Have you understood all these things?” His disciples replied to Him, “Yes Lord.” This is in reference to the words between Jesus and His disciples in Matthew 13:10-11 when the disciples of Jesus came to Him and asked, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” Jesus replied to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”
The words of Jesus in Matthew 13:52 bring some confusion as He states, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” The only references to the scribes are in reference to the “Pharisees and the Scribes” to whom are against Jesus and His teachings, but another possibility is that Jesus may be referring to His disciples as they would go on to write the letters that would become the New Testament. It is even possible that this is Matthew’s way of referring to himself in a subtle way. The bigger point that Jesus is making here is (1) that His disciples understand the parables that He has instructed them about. And (2) the entirety of His words in Matthew 13:52 as He declares, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” The key part of this statement is the kingdom of heaven having treasures that are new and old. The new teachings of Jesus are to be woven into the old teachings of the Law that God gave to Moses, and to the prophecies that God spoke through the prophets of the Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:17 (NIV), “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Jesus wants His disciples to realize and understand that He is the Messiah – the Holy One of God. Jesus gives us the main example of this as He begins His earthly ministry in Luke 4:16-21 and quotes Isaiah 61:1-2. In Matthew 13:52 Jesus instructs His disciples that they too, like Him, will preach the gospel. He states (NKJV), “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”
This is a confirmation of Jesus to His disciples that they too will preach the gospel.
This is a promise that the Law of the Old Testament is not to be forsaken, but that the teachings of Jesus are a fulfillment of the Law and a continuance of God’s plan of salvation for humanity.
Jesus said in Matthew 13:52, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” These words were recorded for us today, that we too, may receive instruction from Jesus, through His Holy Spirit which He has promised to all who will believe in Him (John 14:15-18), to indwell us and be our teacher of all things (John 14:26) so that we too may share the love of the gospel that God has revealed to us. Jesus instructs His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV), “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
There is no end to growing in our relationship with God through our salvation in Christ Jesus, but a continual pathway that strives to draw closer to God each day, and to share the love that He has put in our hearts with others – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
It is a blessing and privilege to be Your disciple in the world today. Please continue to open our eyes to Your Word and give us the realization and understanding of it so that we can hear what You are saying to our hearts. Please help us to see the importance of following Your will and great plan of salvation for our lives – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.