From Matthew 13:51-52 / Have you understood?

Jesus’ question to the disciples here after delivering the parables is one that cannot be overlooked. Had they, do we – really get it?

He goes on to explain what it is they need not to miss, and it is central to understanding the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. And it is why there is so much confusion in understanding the relationship between the Old Covenant Scriptures and the New Covenant Scriptures. The tendency among us is to go to one of two extremes. Some see no true connection between the two, as though the Old Covenant Scriptures can virtually be discarded. They see no value at all in the Law. Others, see virtually no distinction at all and conflate the two as though there is no change to be seen or understood. They virtually try to make Believers today into Old Testament Jews.

Jesus is keen here to make sure His men do not commit either error.

Note first then: Failing to understand how God uses types, shadows, similes, parables, etc., locks up the OT from the preaching of Christ. But one who understands, can bring out treasures from both the Old and the New. May we gain this holy skill.

This shows itself to us in two primary ways (among others).

a. Israel was never meant to be an end in itself – but a type and shadow of The Coming Kingdom. When we fail to understand this, we have those who confuse the modern Sate of Israel (a secular state we need to be reminded) with the Kingdom itself. We will find ourselves with so many today who cannot bring themselves to criticize the State when it errs, and baptize all it does. Some go so far (as certain heretics like John Hagee) who say we need not evangelize our Jewish friends because they have their own covenant with God. Making no room for the fact the Old Covenant is gone, and Christ has instituted the New. So they cannot digest Paul’s words in Romans 2:28-29 “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.”

It is also why we do not look for a “Christian” State.

With many others, I personally look for a great stirring of the Spirit among ethnic Jews near the return of Christ – but that is not the same as assuming all is well with them in the meantime. In the largest part, they have rejected the New Covenant and need to come to Christ.

b. The Law was never meant to be an end in itself either. We can liken it best to an X-ray machine – a diagnostic tool, but one with no power whatsoever to bring about healing. The Law can show us a broken bone, but it cannot mend it. It can reveal the righteousness of God, but it cannot produce it within us. This is the work of the Holy Spirit and the express blessing of the New Covenant.

If I may extend a simile built on the above – for the Believer, the object is to fix our eyes upon and follow Christ. Our relationship to the Law of Moses has radically changed. For one, it can no longer condemn us. But picture this: When one is learning to drive, they are taught to keep their eyes on the road ahead – not on the guardrails along the side. The guardrails are there should we (for some reason) spin out of control. And to smack into them hurts. But they are not there as guides. Our Guide is to keep the eyes fixed upon Christ. The Law remains just and right and good, but it has to be used lawfully – for what it was designed. And it was NEVER designed to sanctify, any more than it was designed to confer eternal life.

Note second then, that once one has a firm grasp of the principles of the Kingdom as outlined in the parables here, then one can rightly read their OT and see how the 2 mesh so perfectly. Apart from this understanding, the 2 will remain in tension rather than in harmony. And keep that in mind – they are in harmony, but they are not identical. The Old and New Covenants harmonize, but they do not “sing” in unison.

Jesus wanted them to grasp this vision of the Kingdom:

1 / It is built only through the preaching of the Gospel.

2 / There will be the righteous and the unrighteous in the world until Jesus returns. Accept it and learn to live in the reality of it.

3 / The Church will not always look like it does today. It’s fullness is coming.

4 / Men are never more “Christians” than the moment they are conceived by the Spirit. But they have to grow. And growth in Christ’s image is not an overnight, but a lifelong process, finished when He comes.

5 / The world will never understand why we value Christ, the Cross, holiness, The Word and the resurrection above earthly things. Don’t expect to be understood by them.

6 / For the true Believer, the signal mark is: Christ is our greatest gain.

7 / We will never have a perfectly pure Church until Christ returns. Don’t be shocked by fakes and defectors. A day of true sorting will come.

As noted earlier then, let me reiterate: Taken in order we learn these 7 lessons.

A – Confidence and Comfort in the simple plan and program of God in evangelism. God’s Word IS sufficient.

B – There is no need to fret or fear if the World seems to grow and progress in evil along with the Church. The harvest WILL come.

C – Though the Kingdom may seem small and insignificant now – wait. The half has not been told.

D – Though you seem to make little progress in sanctification, you WILL be transformed into His image as the Kingdom grows within you and affects every part.

E – Though others have not seen what you have – you are not a fool to forsake that which you cannot keep to obtain that which you cannot lose.

F – Let no one dissuade you from the singular excellencies of Christ. Truth isn’t all about us- but He is THE Truth, THE Life, and THE Way.

G – Give the Gospel to all men and draw them in. But give them no comfort in the MERE fact they dwell among the saints, simply because they found an attraction here. If they have not been changed, if they are spoiled or dead or unprofitable, they WILL be cast away.