The Parables Of Jesus - The Householder (Mt 13:51-52)

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                        "THE PARABLES OF JESUS"

                     The Householder (Mt 13:51-52)

INTRODUCTION

1. Following His explanation of "The Parable Of The Dragnet" (Mt 13:
   47-50), we find Jesus asking His disciples:

           "Have you understood all these things?" (Mt 13:51)

2. This question likely relates not just to the preceding parable, but
   to all of those recorded in this chapter:
   a. The Parable Of The Sower - Mt 13:3-9,18-23
   b. The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares - Mt 13:24-30,36-43
   c. The Parable Of The Mustard Seed - Mt 13:31-32
   d. The Parable Of The Leaven - Mt 13:33
   e. The Parable Of The Hidden Treasure - Mt 13:44
   f. The Parable Of The Pearl Of Great Price - Mt 13:45-46
   g. The Parable Of The Dragnet - Mt 13:47-50
   -- All of which reveal truths related to "the mysteries of the 
      kingdom of heaven" - Mt 13:11

3. When His disciples answer in the affirmative, Jesus tells yet 
   another parable...
   a. This one is called "The Parable Of The Householder" - Mt 13:52
   b. This parable, however, is describing not so much the kingdom of
      heaven itself, but those (especially "scribes") who have been 
      instructed concerning the kingdom

[As we take the time to consider what Jesus said, seeking to glean what
truths and principles we can from Him, let's first look closely at...]

I. THE PARABLE ITSELF

   A. JESUS IS MAKING A POINT ABOUT A "SCRIBE"...
      1. "Therefore every scribe instructed about the kingdom of 
         heaven..."
      2. From the "Holman Bible Dictionary", a scribe was a "Person
         trained in writing skills and used to record events and
         decisions (Jer. 36:26; 1 Chron. 24:6; Esth. 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)."
      3. They were more than simply copyists, but students and
         instructors as well
      4. It would be assumed, therefore, that a scribe would be
         expected to understand the finer points of the Law of Moses

   B. A SCRIBE "INSTRUCTED CONCERING THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN..."
      1. Jesus' point is not about a normal scribe, who would 
         understand only the Law
      2. But a scribe who would be instructed about the kingdom of 
         heaven (via the parables)

   C. SUCH A SCRIBE "IS LIKE A HOUSEHOLDER..."
      1. A householder with "treasure", something of great value
      2. Treasure that is both "new" and "old"
         a. The "old" treasure would be his understanding of the Law
         b. The "new" treasure would be his understanding of the
            kingdom of heaven

[The parable and its "explanation" appear simple enough to understand.
But there are also "implications" from the parable that are worthy of
careful consideration...]

II. IMPLICATIONS FROM THE PARABLE

   A. EVERY DISCIPLE IS LIKE A SCRIBE...
      1. This implication is a fair one to make
         a. Because the parable was told in response to a question
            asked of His disciples
         b. Because His disciples...
            1) ...had been told that only by understanding the Word can
               one bear good fruit - Mt 13:23
            2) ...had been asked whether they "understood all these 
               things?" - Mt 13:51
         c. Understanding God's Word was a fundamental aspect of being
            a scribe, so it was to being a disciple!
      2. Elsewhere Jesus makes it clear that His disciples must be like
         scribes
         a. The very word "disciple" means a "learner", which requires
            one to be like a scribe
         b. In the Great Commission...
            1) Jesus told His apostles to "make disciples" (i.e.,
               learners) - Mt 28:19
            2) His disciples would then be "taught" all that Christ
               commanded - Mt 28:20

   B. EVERY DISCIPLE IS A LIKE HOUSEHOLDER WITH TREASURE...
      1. That treasure is the Word of God, which even with the partial
         revelation of the Old Testament was...
         a. "More to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold"
            - cf. Ps 19:7-11
         b. Better than silver, fine gold, and rubies; and "all the
            things you may desire cannot compare with her." - cf. Pr 3:
            13-18
      2. The value of that treasure is enhanced with the full and final
         revelation of God's Will through His Son Jesus Christ - cf. Co
         2:2-3

   C. EVERY DISCIPLE HAS BOTH OLD AND NEW TREASURE...
      1. Not just the new treasure, but the old as well
      2. Some Christians may downplay the importance of the Old 
         Testament, but we shouldn't!
         a. It was written for our learning, to provide patience, 
            comfort and hope - Ro 15:4
         b. It was written for our admonition - 1Co 10:11
      3. Dare we throw away old treasure, just because we have been 
         blessed to receive new?
         a. That which is "old" can help us appreciate more fully that
            which is "new"!
         b. It can help make us "wise for salvation through faith which
            is in Christ" - 2Ti 3:14-15
         c. As "scripture" inspired of God, it is still profitable 
            - 2Ti 3:16-17
      4. Of course, we must "rightly divide" the word of truth - 2Ti 
         2:15
         a. By observing the distinction between the Old and 
            New Covenants - cf. He 8:6-13
         b. By remembering that it is the fuller revelation provided by
            the New that helps to explain the "mystery" of the Old 
            - e.g., Lk 24:25-27,44-47
            1) It was not until Jesus fulfilled and then explained Old
               Testament prophecies that His disciples were able to 
               understand
            2) So we should not seek to understand the New in light of
               the Old, but the Old in light of the New!

CONCLUSION

1. The main point I wish to stress is that as disciples of Jesus we 
   have been richly blessed!
   a. Jesus said it was because we have been blessed to see and hear 
      things others did not - Mt 13:16-17
   b. 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!

2. But we must be like the scribes of old to enjoy these treasures...
   a. Emulating especially the example of Ezra - Ezra 7:10
   b. Preparing our hearts to seek the Word, to do it, and then to 
      teach it

3. Do we appreciate the great treasure we have available to us?
   a. Do we appreciate its greatness because it alone points us...
      1) To Him who is the center and theme of its revelation, Jesus 
         Christ?
      2) And to His kingdom that is everlasting?
   b. 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!
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