Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Then said he unto them, Therefore - or as we should say, Well, then,
Every scribe - or Christian teacher; here so called from that well-known class among the Jews. (See Matthew 23:34.)
Which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven - himself taught in the mysteries of the Gospel which he Which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven - himself taught in the mysteries of the Gospel which he has to teach to others,
Is like unto a man that is an householder which bringeth forth - `turneth' or 'dealeth out' х ekballei (G1544)] --
Out of his treasure - his store of divine truth,
Things new and old - old truths in ever new forms, aspects, applications, and with ever new illustrations.
Remarks:
(1) The truths taught in the third pair of these parables-the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price-are these: that the blessings of Christ's kingdom are of incomparable value; that they only truly deem them so who are prepared to part with all for them; and that while some find Christ without seeking Him, others find Him as the result of long and anxious search. Of the former sort, Messiah Himself says, "I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me." (Isaiah 65:1; Romans 10:20.) Such was the woman of Samaria (John 4:1-54); such was Matthew the publican (Matthew 9:9); such was Zaccheus the publican (Luke 19:1-10); such was the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43); such was the man born blind (John 9:1-41); and such was Saul of Tarsus, (Acts 9:1-43.) Of the latter sort it is said, "Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). Such was Nathanael (John 1:45-49), and many others of whom we read in the New Testament. Of the former sort were nearly all who were called from among the Gentiles, as are the fruits of missions still in pagan lands: of the latter sort were probably most of John's disciples who went from him to His Master, and generally, "all who in Jerusalem looked for redemption," and "waited for the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25; Luke 2:38); and to them must be added all now in Christian lands reared in the knowledge of Christ, taught to seek Him early, yet often long of finding Him.
(2) Those who find Christ without seeking Him have usually the liveliest joy-the joy of a blessed surprise; while those who find Him after long and anxious search have usually the deepest apprehensions of His value. It will be observed that the "joy" of discovery is only in the former parable-as if to express, not the value set upon the treasure, but the unexpectedness of it. On this principle, then was "more joy" over the unexpected return of the prodigal son than over the son who had been with his father all his days. (Luke 15:1-32.) Yet not less, but more profound is the sense of Christ's preciousness, when found after lengthened and weary search, which has deepened the sense of wretchedness without Him and the craving of the soul after Him.