13:52 What is the theme of Jesus' teaching in the parable of the householder?

13:52 What is the theme of Jesus’ teaching in the parable of the householder?

The parable of the householder is the eighth and final parable in Mt 13, and while it does not concern the nature and development of the kingdom as such like the preceding parables in Mt 13, it does concern teaching the mysteries of the kingdom which Jesus revealed in them. It depicts the responsibility of teachers in the kingdom.

Scribe in Mt 13:52 is the Old Testament equivalent to the New Testament teacher. As scribes gave progressive instruction of God’s redeeming purpose in the Old Testament so Jesus here instructs teachers to do the same in the New Testament – not only with the parables though but with all the truths of God’s word (cp 1Cor 4:1).

Jesus compares teachers with their rich store of scripture knowledge to a householder with a treasure-house from which he shares his wealth with those for whom he is responsible. Jesus is instructing teachers here that they are not to teach the mere letter of the word or doctrine as such, but are to share the scriptural riches with which they have been entrusted with others in the kingdom, the same as the householder shared the things from his treasure-house.

This does not mean that there are two orders of truths for teachers to impart, but new light on old scriptures. The new is the gospel made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection. It came as the fulfillment of the old, the law.

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