Treasures New and Old:
Parable of the Master of a Household

---

Treasures New and Old/Master of a Household: Matthew 13:52

Jesus tells this short parable of the treasures new and old, also called the parable of the master of a household, as a sort of conclusion to a few other parables he has just told in Matthew 13. In the context of this concluding message, Jesus has just taught these parables:

• Parable of the Sower and the Four Soils

• Parable of the Weeds
  

• Parable of the Mustard Seed

• Parable of the Yeast

Jesus then speaks to his disciples, explaining to them the meaning of his parables, and then he tells them these three short parables in order to describe the kingdom of God:

• Parable of the Hidden Treasure

• Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

• Parable of the Fishing Net 

To summarize all that he has said, he teaches this parable of the master of a household.

Summary of Parable of Master of a Household

---

Jesus asks, "Have you understood all this?" His disciples respond with 'Yes' and so Jesus says: "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." (Matthew 13:52)

Meaning of Treasures New and Old

---

Initially, this statement may seem confusing because Jesus uses a phrase that would be unfamiliar to most modern readers. Jesus Speaks in Figures of Speech, and when Jesus uses this phrase of treasures new and old, his audience would have understood it to communicate the concept of having plenty.

The idea of "a master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old" communicates the idea of someone well-supplied with whatever their treasure is.

In the context of this parable, because this master of a household is being compared to a scribe who is trained in the word of God, the "treasure" would be knowledge and understanding of God's kingdom.

Jesus is telling his disciples that those who study and know the word of God are rich with knowledge and understanding of God's kingdom. This understanding is important and essential for salvation.

For more information on this subject of being rich toward God, read about the Meaning of the Talents and Pounds in Jesus' Parables.

---

Go to previous parable: The Fishing Net

Go to next parable: Unforgiving Servant

---

← Back to The Parables of Jesus Christ from Treasures New and Old: Parable of the Master of a Household

Go to Messiah of God Home

↑ Top