Scripture: “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” Matthew 13:51-52 ESV
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Observation: Having concluded telling his parables of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven to the Twelve, Jesus asks them if they have understood all his teaching points. Being the only moment in this series of parables where the disciples understand without explanation, they swiftly respond, “Yes.” So Jesus then tells them another short parable to emphasize their privileged status and future role as disciple-makers in his kingdom.
Of note, theologian Michael Wilkins maintains the Greek word matheteuo, translated as “has been trained” (verse 52 above), is best understood here and elsewhere in Mattew’s Gospel as “has become a disciple” or “has been made a disciple” (Discipleship in the Ancient World and Matthew’s Gospel, pp.160–63). Thus, being made disciples, they will be fit to make more disciples (28:18).
Of further consideration, as theologian D. A. Carson argues, the Greek word grammateus (translated as “scribe” above) stood for more than an interpreter of the law but a teacher with authority (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, p.332). Thus, in this parable, Jesus infers that his disciples are ambassadors who possess his authority as kingdom-builders (click here to read Paul’s elaboration on this agency relationship in 2 Corinthians, chapter 5).
Takeaway: Matthew frequently uses the Greek word oikodespotēs (translated as “master of a house” above) regarding God (21:33), Jesus (10:25), or the disciples (24:13). In this parable, the master is a disciple of Christ who is to draw on the abundance of their Master’s riches: Christ’s covenantal wealth fulfilled from the Old and New Testament. In other words, the Twelve must tap into the full extent of their Master’s promises and commands to be faithful and fruitful kingdom workers.
Still, as Carson contends, this is not simply about gaining understanding and taking action but about becoming transformed in allegiance to Christ (p.332). How so? The storeroom (Greek thēsauros) regularly stands for one’s heart, i.e., one’s cherished values, personality, and very being. But sadly, only eleven of Jesus’ Twelve will become transformed in allegiance to Christ. Judas, who traveled with Jesus for three-plus years, will remain unchanged of heart even though he outwardly exhibited an appearance of understanding and submission to his Master.
Our takeaway? In today’s digital world, vast biblical and theological information is one keystroke away. And we can obtain discipleship training and outreach opportunities through the many courses and seminars offered through the church and parachurch organizations. But if we fail to submit to the humbling transforming work of the Holy Spirit, the extent of our education and ministry resumé will be for not. We will be unfit to make authentic disciples because we cannot lead others any further than where we have traveled. Conversely, no matter our past failures or lack of education and training, if we embrace our riches in Christ as sincerely confessing sinners, his Holy Spirit will guide our transformed hearts and minds to discern how, when, and where to share our treasured Gospel to the least, the last, and the lost.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son who fulfilled the trove of your covenantal commands and promises in his life, death, and resurrection so that we might receive his authority to make more disciples for his kingdom. So would you please help us submit to your Holy Spirit’s heart-transforming work and thereby draw on our glorious treasures in Christ to grow his kingdom for his and your glory? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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