Kingdom Parables

Matthew 13:44-52

The Treasure, The Net, and The House

The religious leaders of Jesus’ time had set requirements for what the messiah would look like. Many of the standards were extra-biblical. And partly thats why they missed their own failings when Jesus began to preach as a He did. It was yet another warning, that God is bound by His word, not by you.

And that the Gospel, has an effect and impact in the World, or this present Age, we also see two things. The Kingdom of Heaven (here on earth), has two categories (some say three) of pilgrims and aliens. Those that don’t belong, and those that are bound for more. Not because we are better, but because we were desperate for it.

In 1-43 Jesus establishes some meaning and examining of these Parables, the truths are still there, but the seeker needs to go hunting for the mystery to get that scooby-doo reveal. This is the Kingdom on earth, and its an adventure.

The Treasure

Matthew 13:44 “ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden (mystery) in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

Ok, now I think the NKJV very accurate here, because we see the word Palin 3x (Again, 3x 44, 45, 47), the word means a repitition in sequence - 139 out of 142 times, its translated Again in the NKJV. Which could be regarded as, also, furthermore, etc.

There is no indication of time. These could've been hours, days,etc apart. Or one right after the other.

So, you guys tell me, whats the KOH like here? Hidden treasure. But what is it?

Earlier the KOH was seeds/you and I and like the net there is a harvest/sorting that is done.

Some scholars like Wiersbe wrote that the treasure might be Israel. He notes: (Ex. 19:5; Ps. 135:4) but I don’t see that because the context doesn't fit with the explanation that Jesus has given. Nor does Jesus imply (except the mention of prophecy via parables ) that these are OT references. I don’t think this is Israel alone. Why?

Exodus 19:5 “ Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.” Jesus would say to those asking to do the work of God - John 6:29 “ … ““This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.””

Jesus gave up everything to get it. You were the thing that cost it all. Jesus paid it “all” and ALL to Him I owe. My sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. This isn't making us the hero of the movie. Thats Christ. We aren’t the anything. At best we are the damsel in distress. That He will give everything to save.

For us, salvation is free but it doesn't end there, discipleship costs everything; its dying to this world, Its giving ourself to him (Rom 12:1) Jesus said in, Matthew 16:25 “ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Matthew 13:45–46 “ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

Jesus notes that those who find it, see the ultimate value in it. What if you would have everlasting life. To live eternally in a glorious place beyond imagination. Jesus sees it all, knows how stupid we are, and still, invested everything.

What if you were given a basketball to play with and said you can keep it, then you find out, its signed by Michael Jordan and the Bulls. I wouldnt care. But because of its value to some, it has value at all. Jesus, God the father loved us so much, that He gave it all.

Philippians 3:7–8 “ But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ”

Whatever you value, its more. Jesus would also say in, Matthew 16:26 “ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

The Net

Matthew 13:47–50 “ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. 49 (explained) So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.””

Its hard not to get caught in the miracle that is Jesus, the manifestation of this Kingdom, here on earth. Who brings heaven to us. And so many are brought in.

Its a tough reminder to hear. We cant save anyone. We can only present the gospel, and cast the net for Christ.

RE: the tares of earlier, we see similar in Matthew 13:41–43 “ The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

We may look at the the world, even the church and think, what a mess. But there are always those who truly believe. TurnTo: Romans 11:1–6 “ I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? 4 But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”

Matthew 13:51 “ Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord. ?”” (shake nodding)

The House

Matthew 13:52 “ Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed (was/is taught) concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” ”

Scholar, professor the text. Sometimes called lawyers! Because they studied the law. But here, Jesus uses the term Scribe. Because it was the law and the prophets.

The Sons of Asaph would sing in Psalm 78:2 “ I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,” Jeremiah 6:16 “ Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

When we value things, somethings it something that would be worth it, and sees an equal value in and the Apostles are commanded, like the scribes, to share everything that comes to their remembrance. As a witness to the new and the old testaments we are scribes. The Apostles wrote scripture. We are tasked with digging into the text and understanding it, then helping others to do the same.

Matthew 13:53 “ Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there.”

In Closing: Because Jesus doesn’t explain it, speculation arises. Some see the treasure, the pearl, etc as Israel. And I think the church is somewhat of a picture of Israel. Not Israel (new or old) but something more. We say we get it but I don’t think we do. Its all of it. Even someone in the world sees the value of it. The scholars learned everything about it. Valuing the Old and the new. As we should.

But it really seems to be, its worth everything to be in His Kingdom, with Him. Its worth what he paid. Its worth us dying on the cross in him.

To see it, hear it, and it changes us all. And some things are simply worth everything. I would say eternity, is one of those things.

In Romans 1, Paul remarks about this incredible Gospel - Romans 1:16–17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.””