Parable of the Household

Parable of the Household

Introduction
In Matthew 13 Jesus strings together parables about the kingdom—the sower, weeds, mustard seed, leaven, treasure, pearl, and dragnet. Then He turns to the disciples and asks, “Have you understood all these things?” (Matthew 13:51). They answer, “Yes, Lord.” On the heels of that confession, He adds a charge: “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old” (Matthew 13:52). Understanding brings responsibility. When we grasp the teaching of Christ, we are to handle it, live it, and share it faithfully—bringing out the riches of God’s word for ourselves and for others.

Understanding Is Expected—and Possible
Jesus’ question assumes that disciples can understand. The Scriptures are written to be read, pondered, and comprehended. Some things are deeper than others, but God reveals His will in words we can grasp (Ephesians 3:3–5). Therefore we ask, each time we study or hear a sermon, “Have I understood these things?” Like Philip asked the eunuch, “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30–31). Understanding requires attention, prayer, and perseverance.

Scribes for the Kingdom: Our Responsibility
Jesus calls the trained disciple a “scribe” for the kingdom—a student who becomes a teacher. Scribes in Israel copied and taught the law; Jesus’ disciples are to receive, retain, and relay the gospel. When we say, “Yes, Lord, we understand,” we take on the task of instructing others with what Christ has taught (2 Timothy 2:2). This is not about sharing opinions but delivering the message of the King with accuracy and love.

Treasures New and Old
The householder opens a chest containing “new and old” treasures. Christ fulfills the Law and the Prophets; the Old Testament prepares and points, the New Testament reveals and completes (Matthew 5:17–18; Luke 24:44–47). Disciples must rightly handle both: honor the Old for its revelation and examples, and live under the New Covenant’s authority (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Hebrews 8:6–13; 10:9–10). Keeping that distinction clear prevents confusion and grounds our teaching.

Be Diligent: Rightly Divide the Word
Paul commands, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God… rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Diligence means effort, time, and careful handling—there is a right way and a wrong way to interpret. We test every doctrine by Scripture, keep texts in context, compare Scripture with Scripture, and submit our traditions to the Lord’s voice (Acts 17:11).

Desire the Word
God’s word converts the soul, makes the simple wise, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes, and endures forever (Psalm 19:7–11). Treasuring Scripture more than gold shapes our appetites. As we desire the word, our “chest” fills with treasures ready to be brought out at the right time—for comfort, correction, instruction, and hope (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Teach All Nations
Understanding leads to action. Jesus commissions us to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all He commanded (Matthew 28:19–20). Disciples are lifelong learners and faithful teachers. Our world is confused about God, Christ, the church, judgment, and hope. The Lord calls us to answer with Scripture, patience, and clarity (1 Peter 3:15).

Applications for Us Today
Resolve to study with purpose: pray, read, meditate, and ask, “What does this mean? What must I do?” Distinguish covenants: learn how the Old prepares and the New governs. Build a usable “treasure chest”: memorize, mark, and organize passages for common questions (salvation, worship, the church, hope, holiness). Share what you learn: in your home, class, and community—gently, clearly, and consistently.

Parable of the Household Sermon Outline:

• Text: Matthew 13:51–52

• Theme: Understanding the kingdom brings the responsibility to teach its treasures—old and new.

• I. Understanding Is Expected

  • Jesus’ question and our duty to comprehend (Matthew 13:51; Ephesians 3:3–5; Acts 8:30–31).

• II. Scribes for the Kingdom

  • From learner to teacher; stewardship of truth (2 Timothy 2:2; James 3:1).

• III. Treasures New and Old

  • Fulfillment in Christ; value and roles of both Testaments (Matthew 5:17–18; Luke 24:44–47).

  • The New Covenant’s authority (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Hebrews 8:6–13; 10:9–10).

• IV. Rightly Dividing the Word

  • Diligence and method (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).

• V. Desire Fuels Discipline

  • Why we love the word (Psalm 19:7–11; Psalm 119:97–105).

• VI. From Understanding to Mission

  • Make disciples; keep teaching; Christ with us (Matthew 28:19–20).

• Conclusion

  • Say “Yes, Lord”—then open the chest and bring out treasure for souls.

Call to Action
Commit today to be a “scribe for the kingdom.” Ask the Lord for understanding, open your Bible with diligence, and begin stocking your heart with treasures new and old. Share what you learn this week with one person—at home, work, or school. Let Christ’s word dwell in you richly and overflow for the good of others and the glory of God.

Key Takeaways

• Disciples can and must understand Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 13:51; Ephesians 3:3–5).

• Understanding creates responsibility to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).

• “New and old” treasures call us to honor the Old and live under the New (Luke 24:44–47; Hebrews 8:6–13).

• Diligence is essential to rightly divide the word (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11).

• God’s word is more valuable than gold and shapes a fruitful life (Psalm 19:7–11).

Scripture Reference List
Matthew 13:51–52; Matthew 5:17–18; Luke 24:44–47; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Hebrews 8:6–13; Hebrews 10:9–10; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Acts 8:30–31; Acts 17:11; Ephesians 3:3–5; Psalm 19:7–11; Psalm 119:97–105; Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Peter 3:15; James 3:1.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO