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March 9, 2026

Sharing the Treasure: Our Responsibility to the Word

by Jason Neill

Scripture reading: Matthew 13:52

“And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old’” (Matthew 13:52, ESV).

We love new things. Whether it’s the latest car models, the newest iPhone, or the trendiest gadgets, newness easily captures our attention. Marketing companies understand this well, frequently using words like “better,” “more powerful,” or “the latest in X” to drive their campaigns.

This week, we examine the final parable in a series of teachings Jesus shared with His disciples in Matthew 13. The core point of this parable is that Jesus taught both old truths and new truths.

The Old Truths

One of the "old" truths He taught was that the Holy Spirit would bring new birth. We see this rooted in the Old Testament through passages like Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Ezekiel 36:26-27.

In John 3, it becomes clear that Nicodemus should have been aware of this based on those very scriptures. Jesus challenged him, saying, “You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not understand these things?” (John 3:10, NIV).

The New Truths

Jesus also introduced "new" truths, many of which are presented throughout the parables of Matthew 13. As Mark Bailey notes in Nelson’s New Testament Survey, some of these include:

  • Varied Response: Not everyone will respond to the kingdom message, and those who do are not all equally fruitful.
  • Spiritual Opposition: Satan is personally active in trying to prevent people from receiving God’s message.
  • Application: God desires that we hear, understand, and apply the truth of His Word to be fruitful.
  • Discernment vs. Judgment: Believers must be realistic about the presence of hypocrites but must leave the final judging to Jesus.
  • Priority: The kingdom of heaven should be the highest priority for anyone who finds it (p. 29).

Our Responsibility

In a similar fashion, Jesus’ disciples, both past and present, have the responsibility to share both the old and the new. For us, this means sharing the foundations found in the Old Testament and the fulfillment found in the New Testament.

As you study your Bible this week, make it a point to share a truth you discovered, whether old or new, with someone else. By doing so, you will be a good steward of the truth God has entrusted to you.

Here’s some questions to get you thinking:

  • Connecting the Testaments: In Matthew 13:52, Jesus speaks of bringing out "treasures old and new." How has seeing the "old" promises of Ezekiel and Jeremiah fulfilled in the "new" teachings of Jesus changed your understanding of God’s plan?
  • Evaluating Priorities: One of the "new" truths mentioned is that the kingdom of heaven should be our highest priority. What is one practical way you can make the kingdom a higher priority in your daily schedule this week?
  • Being a Steward: Jesus calls His disciples to be good stewards of the truth. Who is one person in your life you can share a "treasure" of scripture with today, whether it’s an old favorite or a new discovery?