51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. 52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. (Matthew 13:51-52 KJV)
New and Old Treasures
Jesus asked his disciples, “Have you understood all these things?” implying his willingness to explain further if needed. It is Christ’s will that all who hear the word should understand it so they can benefit from it. It is wise for us, after reading or hearing Scripture, to examine ourselves and ensure we have understood it.
They answered, “Yes, Lord,” and we have reason to believe they were truthful, for when they did not understand, they asked for an explanation (Mt 13:36). The explanation of one parable served as a key to understanding the rest. The proper understanding of one good sermon helps us understand others, as truths illuminate one another.
Jesus commended them as scribes instructed for the kingdom of heaven. They were learning so they could teach, just as Ezra, who prepared his heart to teach in Israel, was called a ready scribe (Ezr 7:6,10). A skillful, faithful minister of the gospel is likewise a scribe, well-versed in gospel truths and well able to teach them.
Those who instruct others must first be well-instructed themselves. If a priest’s lips must keep knowledge, his mind must first acquire it. A gospel minister’s primary concern must be the kingdom of heaven. A man may be a great philosopher or politician, but if he is not instructed in the kingdom of heaven, he will be a poor minister.
Jesus compared them to a good householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old—last year’s fruit and this year’s harvest, abundance and variety, for the nourishment of his household (Song 7:13). A minister must be well-stocked with truths from both the Old and New Testaments, as well as lessons from both past experiences and present observations. We must not rely only on old discoveries but continually seek new ones.
The purpose of this treasure is not just to store it but to bring it forth for the benefit of others. Some hoard knowledge but never share it, like a full vessel with no outlet (Job 32:19). Such are unprofitable servants. Even Christ received that he might give, and so must we. In sharing, both old truths and fresh insights are valuable—old truths in new expressions and, above all, renewed love and devotion.