Matthew 13:51–58: Discipled for the Kingdom
Introduction
As we come to the end of Matthew 13, Jesus is concluding his teaching on the kingdom of heaven through parables. Also, Matthew begins a new section of Jesus’ life and ministry, where some will grow in their admiration for him, while others will grow in their hatred. There is an important connection between these two sections: namely, here we see the kingdom of God doing exactly what Jesus said would happen in his parables. For some, the kingdom of heaven will be snatched away immediately, while for others, the kingdom of heaven will take root and bear much fruit. For still others, the kingdom of heaven will seem to take root for a time, only to be scorched or choked out. Regardless, one thing will grow increasingly clear as Jesus moves forward: there is no neutrality between kingdom disciples and kingdom despisers.
Discussion Questions
1. What is a “scribe” (v. 52)? What does it mean to be “trained for the kingdom of heaven” (v. 52)? What does a “master of a house” do, according to the parable in v. 52? What does Jesus mean when he talks about what is new and what is old in the treasures of a kingdom disciple? How does this parable shape our understanding of the purpose of learning in the kingdom? Why is Jesus not satisfied if we learn for our own sake only?
2. How are you equipped to teach others about what you have learned of the kingdom? Who has played a role in discipling you up to this point? How competent do you feel to teach others? Whom has God put in your life for you to lead spiritually in some sense? How well are you stewarding the opportunities that he has given you to teach and lead others? What is one way that you could take a step forward in obedience as a kingdom disciple?
3. What astonished the people of Nazareth, where he was teaching in the synagogue (v. 54)? Why did the people bring up his trade? Why did people bring up his family? How might those facts have enhanced their wonder and adoration at the wisdom and mighty works of Jesus? How instead did they cite those facts in order to despise him and to reject the kingdom about which he was preaching?
4. Is there anything about Jesus’ humility that leads you to despise his kingdom? Do you wish that his kingdom could be more outwardly impressive, especially in the eyes of his enemies? Do you wish that he would more forcefully compel his enemies to submit now? Is there anything about Jesus’ church that leads you to despise his kingdom? Is there any way that you disdain the company of those whom Jesus came to save?
