Matthew 13:51-52
“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Most people these days don’t have treasure. I don’t know anyone who has a chest full of jewels and gold coins. We might display a few cherished items in our homes, like antiques from a grandparent or souvenirs from a favorite vacation. Some people may keep expensive jewelry or fine china or collectible items that they consider valuable. I suppose those are types of treasure. From what I know of the culture Jesus lived in, very few of the people who listened to him had treasure either, not the kind you lock away in a storeroom or hide in a secret vault. Then again, Jesus never cared much for gold and silver. He didn’t consider things of this world as valuable as the true, lasting treasure of heaven.
For Jesus, God’s word is a treasure worth seeking after and holding onto. The teachers of the law, those who spent their time studying and educating others about scripture, held vast wealth in the storerooms of their hearts and minds. They knew God’s word inside and out, from beginning to end. Their Bible, what we call the Old Testament, revealed God’s character and pointed ahead to the coming of the Messiah. How wonderful it would be, then, if a teacher of the law recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah and could add to their treasure chest the good news of the kingdom of heaven. Their storeroom would be overflowing with the priceless treasure of God’s word.
We have both old and new treasure, and we shouldn’t take it for granted. God’s word, the Old and New Testaments, help us know God. Even more precious, scripture helps us enter into an eternal loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As we read the Bible, we hear God speaking to us, and we discover His will for our lives. We find promises that give us hope through suffering and strength when burdens weigh us down. What’s amazing about the treasure of scripture is that it becomes even more valuable when we share it with others. Then God’s word has the power to change hearts and to offer sinners grace.
Father in Heaven, thank You for revealing Yourself to me in Your word and for speaking truth into my heart. Draw me back to the Bible often, and show me opportunities to share the life-giving treasure of Your word with others. I ask this through Jesus my Lord. Amen.
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Pastor Mike Mirakian
