*Matthew 13:44-52
Jesus uses three parables: a hidden treasure, a valuable pearl, and a fishing net, to describe the immense value of the kingdom of heaven.
- Parable of the Hidden Treasure:
- A man discovers a hidden treasure in a field.
- Overjoyed, he sells all his possessions to buy the field and secure the treasure.
- Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the value of the kingdom of heaven, urging listeners to prioritize spiritual treasures above earthly possessions.
- Parable of the Pearl of Great Value:
- A merchant finds a pearl of extraordinary worth.
- Similarly to the man in the previous parable, he sells everything to acquire the pearl.
- Jesus emphasizes the incomparable value of the kingdom of heaven, encouraging believers to pursue it wholeheartedly.
- Parable of the Net:
- Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a net cast into the sea, gathering fish of every kind.
- When the net is full, it is dragged ashore, and the fish are sorted—good fish kept and bad fish thrown away.
- This parable illustrates the final judgment, where the righteous will be separated from the wicked.
- Understanding:
- Jesus asks his disciples if they understand these teachings.
- They affirm their comprehension.
- Jesus declares that a scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out both new and old treasures.
13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.