Parable of the Owner of the House

Bringing Out the Old and the New

“He said to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.’”
— Matthew 13:52 (NIV)

In this Parable of the Owner of the House devotional, Jesus ends His string of parables in Matthew 13 with a word for His disciples—and anyone who teaches, shares, or passes on the truth. He says the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out both new and old treasures from his storeroom. This small parable is a call to spiritual maturity: to value the truth of God’s Word across time, to grow in our understanding, and to steward truth faithfully.

If you’ve been entrusted with the gospel, you’re a kingdom householder—and what you share matters.

🪙 Treasure That Doesn’t Expire

Jesus says the kingdom includes treasures new and old. The old—God’s promises, prophecies, and laws—are not obsolete. The new—Christ’s teaching, fulfillment, and grace—do not cancel the old, but reveal its depth.

In a world obsessed with novelty, we need this reminder:
Biblical truth doesn’t age out. It deepens.

The faithful steward doesn’t discard the old; he knows how to connect it to the new. He doesn’t live in the past or idolize the future—but brings out both with purpose.

📚 Teaching the Word Means Knowing the Word

Jesus is speaking to His disciples as future teachers. He’s saying that anyone who teaches the truth must:

Be a student of the whole counsel of God.
Understand the connection between the Old and New Testaments.
Share the gospel in ways that show its timeless relevance.

You don’t need a seminary degree to be a steward. But you do need humility, hunger, and a willingness to dig into the Word.

🛠 You Are the Householder

If you’re a parent, a friend, a leader, a writer, or someone who speaks the name of Jesus—you’re a steward of spiritual treasure. You’ve been given keys to the house.

So, what are you bringing out of your storeroom?

Are you only clinging to what’s familiar, without learning what’s new?
Are you chasing only what’s trendy, forgetting what’s timeless?
Are you drawing from a shallow storeroom, or a Spirit-filled supply?

The kingdom is rich. Your words and life should reflect that.

💡 Light & Spirit Prompt

Ask the Spirit today:

“Am I growing in both the old and the new treasures of Your Word?”
“What part of Your truth have I neglected—out of comfort, fear, or distraction?”

Then commit to go deeper. Bring out what’s been stored up in faith.

🙏 A Simple Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for the treasure of Your Word—old and new.
Teach me to value both. Grow me in truth.
Let me be a faithful steward, bringing out what encourages, convicts, and reveals Jesus.
Fill my storeroom with wisdom, and help me share it boldly.
In Your name, Amen.

God has given you a house full of treasure. Don’t hoard it—share it.