Monday, 1 December 2014

Matthew 13:52: Scribes trained for the Kingdom of heaven

Kingdom of heaven.

Matthew, among the Gospel writers, was the only one to use the phrase, "Kingdom of heaven", which was distinctively Jewish. It alluded to the Messianic Rule under which every Israelite aspired to live - Yahweh's divine order on Earth. The people of the kingdom were thought to be subjects of an anointed Davidic (human) king - who was expected to be a fierce warrior, conqueror and judge. Matthew, however, endeavoured to paint his Jewish audience a very different picture of this kingdom, and thus, challenge their ancient presuppositions of what it was (is) like. The Jews, especially the readers, doers and teachers of the Law, assumed superiority over the Gentiles and sinners (including tax collectors, with whom Matthew could identify) in terms of their Kingdom citizenship. Matthew opposed such self-sufficient assumptions by highlighting frequently Jesus' emphasis on repentance, mercy and humility as proper responses to the Kingdom of heaven at hand. Furthermore, belonging to the Kingdom of heaven obligates one to join Christ the King in His mission to make disciples of every nation (Matt 28:18-20).

Matthew continued to weave the message of his gospel and brandish the sword of his pen against the aforementioned Jewish assumptions throughout the 13th chapter, which records one of Christ's major discourses about His Kingdom. The literary context was perhaps intended to confront Matthew's Jewish audience with the fact that there were many who would read or hear the word of the Kingdom - but would never truly understand it.... because they assumed that they knew better and so, scorned the devotion to Jesus Christ that characterised Christian discipleship. They would be shaken when tested because they had not given themselves to Christ; the word of His Kingdom had not borne the fruit of hope in their lives. In fact, they were in danger of riding in the same boat as the "law-breakers" (cf. 13:41).

A parable that closes Christ's discourse in Matthew's gospel still addresses us, Christians, today: "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)

A scribe in Jesus' time was a Jewish religious teacher, preoccupied with the interpretation, exegesis and teaching of Scripture. A master of a house played host to guests, had authority over his servants and possessed "treasure" (13:52) - a storehouse filled with provisions for the household that was at his full disposal in time of need.

I don't know much about household provisions for a family in Jesus' time. Rather, I know a little more about provisions for a baby in my time. I am an exclusive pumping mother when it comes to breast-milk. Whatever milk I express via breast pump either goes straight into my baby's tummy or into the refrigerator/freezer. It would be unwise of me to only feed my baby freshly pumped milk at the expense of the milk in storage. It would also be imprudent of me to only feed my baby refrigerated/frozen milk and never freshly pumped milk (while I can still afford to), which has the best flavour and nutritional content. No - in order that she receives the benefits of freshly pumped milk and that I might yet refresh my milk stock (and not allow previously stored milk to expire and go to waste), I feed her a balanced "diet" of freshly pumped and refrigerated/frozen milk every day. Likewise, I understand Matthew 13:52 as Jesus' invitation to His disciples back then to have a balanced "diet" - i.e. be both preoccupied in learning God's word as any Jewish religious leader would, as well as to be discipled in the principles of the Kingdom of heaven that was at hand. (The Greek word for "trained" in 13:52 implies personal discipleship rather than the acquisition of new skills.) The new was not to replace or displace the old. Rather the new was to supplement the old. This was the "formula" for a successful ministry, not to mention a good life. Matthew's audience needed to be convinced that personal discipleship was now to go hand-in-hand with Jewish Scripture scholarship - a synergy that afforded hope for themselves as well as those whom they eventually discipled.

Reflecting on Matthew's gospel message in my modern context...

I was reminded of how important it is for lay ministers to be scholars as well as disciples in the sense of passionate devotion to growing in Christlikeness. Too often, lay ministers think that intensive biblical studies and seminary training are only for the clergy and PhD pursuers! Matthew 13:52 challenges me additionally to discover those Kingdom gems in the Old Testament as well as the New. The idea is balance. As we partake in Christ's great commission for the Church which has extended through time and space, beyond the boundaries of culture and tongue, may we be faithful stewards of the entire word of God.  

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