Matthew 13:51 “Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” 53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. 

Two things get my attention here. First is the disciples’ response to Jesus’ question. “Have you understood all this?” “Yes” they answered. Riiiight. I’m imagining they said yes because they didn’t want to disappoint Jesus by saying “no”. I could be wrong of course, but that’s where my head goes.

Secondly is Jesus’ statement in v.52. A scribe would be someone who was steeped in the ancient Jewish traditions and scriptures. A scribe trained for the kingdom of heaven would be one who also embraced Jesus’ teachings and so would have integrated both old and new teachings and traditions.

The church I serve as pastor will soon begin a time of structured discernment, planning, and visioning for our future together. Where will it lead us? I’m not sure, but I know it will require us to integrate our understanding of the church as we’ve been – and as we will be. Heavenly Father open our minds, hearts, and spirits to follow where you lead. Amen.