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The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Nine): The Parable of the Householder
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Householder, found in Matthew 13:51-52, serves as the concluding illustration in a series of parables, reflecting on the responsibilities of Jesus Christ's disciples as they are instructed in the matters of the Kingdom of Heaven. After affirming their understanding of the previous seven parables, Jesus presents this final parable to emphasize their roles as students, teachers, and leaders. In this parable, the householder represents a true minister tasked with feeding the household of faith. Our Savior illustrates that such a minister possesses a rich storehouse of spiritual treasures, from which he draws to fulfill his sacred duties. A scribe, as depicted in this parable, is likened to a householder or master of a house, bearing great authority and responsibility over his household. This minister, trained for the Kingdom of Heaven, is both a learner and a teacher, continuously studying God's Word to expound and illustrate its principles for the benefit of others. As a master of the house, he holds the authority to decide what is best for his spiritual family, using his knowledge to guide and provide for them. The treasure in this parable refers to a storehouse where essential resources are kept, symbolizing the minister's accumulated understanding and experience in God's truth. From this treasury, the householder brings forth things new and old, balancing the wisdom of past teachings with fresh insights. This careful blending ensures that the spiritual family is nourished with a mix of established truths and new revelations, enriching their understanding of God's Kingdom without discarding the value of the old. Thus, ministers are commissioned to use this spiritually rich store to lead and sustain their flock, reflecting the instruction They have received from Jesus Christ.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part One): Introduction
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the series of parables presented by Jesus Christ in Matthew 13, the Parable of the Householder stands as a significant conclusion, reflecting on the church's purpose and duty under His authority. This parable, shared privately with the twelve disciples, illustrates the inner characteristics of His church, portraying the work of the true minister and teacher who feeds the household of faith from a rich storehouse of essential spiritual treasures. As the eighth and final parable, it encapsulates the responsibility of the disciples as scribes instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven, bringing forth a treasure of knowledge and understanding, both new and old. Through this parable, Jesus emphasizes the vital role of His messengers in sustaining the church with spiritual nourishment amidst its formidable obstacles and ultimate victory.
God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Four): The Pearl, the Dragnet, and the Householder
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeWithin the structured sequence of the eight parables in Matthew 13, the Parable of the Householder, the eighth parable, pairs with the first, emphasizing the responsibility of understanding and teaching the truths of God's dominion. Jesus prefaces this parable by asking His disciples if they have understood all these things, and upon their affirmation, He presents the final teaching. He likens every scribe instructed concerning the Kingdom of Heaven to the master of a house who brings forth from his treasury things new and old. This treasury represents the heart of a true disciple-scribe, from which good things are delivered, reflecting both the established instructions of the Law and the Prophets and the new clarity and righteous application revealed through Christ's ministry. Unlike the corrupt scribes of His day, whose learning was leavened by human traditions, a disciple-scribe dedicated to the Kingdom will maintain the ancient truths while distilling their intent with God-given understanding. This parable underscores the transition from speaking to multitudes to focusing on instructing a spiritual remnant, highlighting the importance of faithful teaching as part of God's dominion.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 3): Hidden Treasure
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Parable of the Householder, as presented in Matthew 13, stands distinct from the other parables by directly addressing the disciples and outlining the role of a minister in the Kingdom of Heaven. Unlike the preceding parables, it does not begin with a comparison to the Kingdom but is clearly connected to it through its context. Jesus Christ speaks to those who claim to understand His teachings, offering specific instruction for their duty. In this parable, the term "scribe" refers not merely to a recorder of events, but to one deeply versed in the law and words of God, akin to a modern minister. Such a scribe, exemplified by Ezra in ancient times, dedicates life to studying Scripture and expounding its meaning to the people, ensuring they comprehend God's word. This role combines teaching with continuous learning, as the scribe is both a disciple and an instructor concerning the Kingdom. Jesus Christ further describes this figure as a householder, a term implying significant authority and responsibility over a household. This householder, or minister, is charged with being an authoritative interpreter of Scripture, bearing the weight of leadership. The responsibility extends to bringing forth from his treasury—or storehouse of knowledge and experience—both old and new teachings. This treasury is not literal wealth but the accumulated understanding and insights gained from living and studying God's way. The balance of old and new is likened to a wise householder managing a storeroom, ensuring neither the old stores nor the fresh produce are wasted by serving them in harmony. Similarly, a minister must balance traditional truths with fresh perspectives or applications relevant to current circumstances. Jesus Christ Himself exemplified this approach in His parables, taking established truths about the Kingdom of God and casting new light upon them to reveal His role as Savior and the unfolding of God's plan. Thus, the duty of a minister, as summarized in the Parable of the Householder, is to make the truths of God clear, fresh, and living, fostering growth within the church through a careful blend of enduring wisdom and contemporary relevance.
The Parable of the Leaven, Expanded
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBitterness divides one member of Christ's Body from another. Individuals often look for a 'doctrinal' reason to justify leaving a congregation.
Matthew (Part Nineteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe parable of the Dragnet describes the culling process God uses to separate the truly committed from every walk of life from those mildly interested.
A Clean, Well-Lighted Place
Sermon by David F. MaasAs ambassadors, we have the responsibility to be lights, quietly modeling God's Law in our lives by exemplifying the fruits of the Spirit continuously.
Stewardship
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA steward is responsible for the supervision or managing of something entrusted into his care by a superior. As God's stewards, have been entrusted with much.
Government (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOnly those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.
Glory Days
Sermonette by James C. StoertzLooking back can teach lessons but can also be harmful if it leads to disobedience or dwelling on the past. Our focus should be on the glory that lies ahead.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who have made a covenant with God can be corrupted unless they make a concerted effort to know God, realizing He has the right to do as He pleases.