51 Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 52 Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” Matthew 13:51-52 (NKJV)
We will look deeper at the scribe in tomorrow’s devotional. The householder is the owner of the home or head of household. The treasures of new are the mysteries revealed by Jesus in these New Testament parables. The old treasures are the Old Testament words of God that were passed down for generations since Adam. Believers are the householders. We have been given the valuable gifts of God’s Word, the Bible. We have the old and the new treasures. We also have the responsibility as the head of household to share these precious truths with those we love and lead.
Jesus was speaking to the disciples and the audience of followers. Are you a follower of Jesus? If yes, then He is speaking to you. Do you understand these things?
Today, people identify as New Testament believers saved by Jesus and under a new covenant. Many Christians today spend most of their attention and time in the New Testament.
What a delightful comfort it is to read the red letters of Jesus’ words! However, to fully appreciate the truths about Jesus and the fulfillment of the prophecy and law He brought, it is valuable to understand the Old Testament. You don’t appreciate where you are until you know from where you came. God’s relationship with His people began long before Jesus.
This week in your small group or with a close friend, share your favorite Old Testament story. There’s so many to recount. In Genesis, there is the beautiful creation account. God walked with Adam in Eden. God called Abraham and promised to raise a King of Kings from Abraham’s descendants. Exodus shows God’s presence with His chosen people out of captivity and into the Promised Land where God would bless and provide for Israel. There are large historical accounts and small books that show God’s intentional love and care to an entire nation or to a certain person or family like in Ruth and Esther. Proverbs offers wisdom for life. Psalms are the praises to God and the cries for help in times of needs; and God is faithful throughout.
May you enjoy the time spent to recount the goodness of God even before He gave the best gift ever, His Son for our salvation.