Maybe you have called yourself a Christian for a long time, but how do you know you value the kingdom?
The Parable of the Householder
The Parable of the Householder not only tells us what Jesus’ disciples should do, but what those who value the kingdom will do.
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)
Jesus not only compares His disciples to the Scribes – the learned teachers of the day – but also to a household master. He pictures the master bringing out and showing off his old and new treasure.
The old treasure represents the familiar teachings of the day, while the new treasure represents the teachings Jesus revealed to the disciples.
What’s Jesus point?
Jesus’ point is that His disciples are to teach the people how the old and new truths He revealed integrate together. Jesus’ message doesn’t wipe the slate clean. It doesn’t replace the old. It fulfills it, and it is the disciples job to show how that’s the case.
Why Spread Jesus’ Message?
Problems will arise, if Jesus’ disciples carry Jesus’ message to the people. People will reject and hate them. Life will not be easy. Knowing that, why spread Jesus’ message?
The value of the Kingdom should cause Jesus’ disciples to spread His message.
You see, those who value the kingdom will tell others about it. They will talk about it, no matter the cost.
That’s because we talk about those things we value.
How do you know if you value the kingdom?
(1) Is Jesus apart of your conversations with others?
Do you talk about Him with you friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers?
We talk about those things we value. You can know if you value the things of God, you can know if you value the kingdom, you can know if you value Jesus, if you talk about Him.
How else can we know if we value the kingdom or the things of God?
(2) Do you read God’s Word?
If you value the things of God, you will want to learn more about Him. The way to do that is to read His Word.
(3) Do you pray?
If you think God is valuable, you will set aside time in your day to talk with Him.
(4) Do you seek to live according to God’s Word?
If you think His wisdom and commands are valuable, you will want to live by them.
(5) Do you give your money, time, and resources to kingdom work?
Those things we value, we invest in. Do you invest in the kingdom by giving your money, time, and resources to it?
(6) Do you put Jesus first in your life?
The things we value get first priority in our lives. So is Jesus first in your life, or is He 2nd or 3rd, or even at the bottom of your list? We give first priority to those things we value. So is Jesus first in your life?
Questions for Reflection
- Do the questions above reveal you value the Kingdom or not? Why or why not?
- What other questions would you add to the list of six above?
Resources
Post adapted from my most recent sermon Why Should You Want to Follow Jesus?
Christianity Matters 