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Matthew 13:52 “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.”
Think of a time when you heard a relative, friend, or colleague say something and you thought you were 100% sure what they meant by their comment. But then you later discovered that you wrong. What was it like to be angry with them, only to discover you really had no reason to be angry?
Throughout our lives, we make up stories about other people in our minds far too often. We may hear a comment and assume the person who said it meant one thing when in actuality they meant something completely different.
Jesus teaches this principle in Matthew 13:52. It’s His way of telling the religious leaders in His day that they have a pretty good understanding of the Old Testament, but their understanding is incomplete. However, if they were to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven and review the Old Testament from a new perspective – the perspective of Jesus as the Messiah – they would discover even more value in the text.
READING & PRAYERS:
MATTHEW 13:52 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: On a scale of 1-10, how regularly would you say you make up a story in your mind about somebody else (e.g., you heard a comment and made an assumption about what they meant by it)?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Consider what new perspective God may be inviting you to have regarding Him, His Word, and/or your relationships with others.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I don’t want to live like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day – those who had a good, yet incomplete understanding of the big picture. Help me to see You, Your word, and the importance of healthy relationships with others in the same way You see them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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