Show Don't Tell: Matthew 13:51-52

Imagine the scene: a sunlit afternoon in a quaint Israeli village, where the air is thick with the scent of ripe figs and fresh bread from the nearby marketplace. At the heart of this village stands a grand home, its walls adorned with intricate mosaics that tell stories of generations past. Inside, the owner—a wise and seasoned elder named Eliakim—stands before an ornate wooden chest, the storeroom of his life’s work.

With a gentle creak, the chest opens, revealing a dazzling array of treasures. Eliakim lifts out a beautifully woven tapestry, its threads telling tales of the Exodus, the journey of his ancestors marked by faith and struggle. He recalls the fervor of Moses, the weight of the Ten Commandments etched not only in stone but in the very fabric of his being.

Yet, beside this ancient tapestry lies something new—an intricately crafted pottery piece, vibrant and alive with color, representing the joy of community meals shared in the shadow of the new temple. It reflects the teachings of Jesus, the profound love and grace he brought into their lives, transforming old traditions into something beautifully fresh.

Eliakim turns to the gathered disciples, his eyes sparkling with the light of understanding. “Every teacher of the law in the kingdom of heaven,” he says, “is like me, drawing from both the timeless wisdom of our forebears and the transformative truth of Jesus.” In that moment, the disciples lean in closer, sensing the depth of what it means to honor the past while embracing the new, to find a treasure trove of faith that is both rich and ever-evolving. They realize that in their hands lies not just a collection of stories but a living legacy that bridges generations and ignites hope for the future.