F.A.I.T.H Forsaking All I Trust Him Matthew 13:44-58 Logos Bible Fellowship 9/19/2007

Context of the Passage Jesus started teaching in parables Two parables were explained: Seed & Sower, Wheat & Tares Jesus is now speaking to the 12 disciples alone (Vs 36) He tells them 3 short parables and a word of advice for ministry Jesus then goes to minister in His hometown of Nazareth

The Great Worth of The Kingdom Parables of the Hidden Treasure / Pearl of Great Price The cost is great! Lu 14:33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. An example of those who sold out for Jesus Acts 2:44-45 – The first church An example of someone who wouldn’t Lk 18:22-23 – The rich man Should we literally sell all of our possessions? What is Jesus’ point here?

The Great Worth of The Kingdom Parables of the Hidden Treasure / Pearl of Great Price What Jesus says after the rich man walks away (Lk 18:29-30) Barnes – “This cannot be taken literally, as promising a hundred times as many mothers, sisters, etc. It means, evidently, that the loss shall be a hundred times compensated or made up; or that, in the possession of religion, we have a hundred times the value of all that we forsake. This consists in the pardon of sin, in the favour of God, in peace of conscience, in support in trials and in death, and in raising up friends in the place of those who are left—spiritual brethren, and sisters, and mothers, etc” “for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath” The motive is joy, not obligation (Lk 6:23, Jn 16:24, Acts 13:52, 1Pet 1:8, 1 Jn 1:4) What are some things in your Christian walk that have brought you joy?

The Great Worth of The Kingdom The Parable of the Net Similar to Parable of Wheat and Tares At the end of the age, the angels will sort through the wicked and the just Another picture of Hell Furnace of Fire Wailing (severe weeping) Gnashing of teeth (Grating of the teeth) What should this motivate us to do?

Advice for the Disciples (vs 51-52) Every scribe Minister of Christ: who is instructed—taught of God; in the kingdom of heaven—in the mysteries of the Gospel of Christ: out of his treasury—his granary or store-house; things new and old—a Jewish phrase for great plenty. A small degree of knowledge is not sufficient for a preacher of the Gospel (may also refer to the old and new covenants—a proper knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, and of the doctrines of Christ as contained in the New). The sacred writings should be his treasure, and he should properly understand them … it is not enough for a man to have these advantages in possession: he must bring them forth, and distribute them abroad. A good pastor will not, like a miser, keep these things to himself to please his fancy; nor, like a merchant, traffic with them, to enrich himself; but, like a bountiful father or householder, distribute them with a liberal … hand, for the comfort and support of the whole heavenly family. - Clarke’s Commentary

Jesus in His own Hometown God hates unbelief (See Heb 11:6) Unbelief is very prominent in the hometown of a prophet (vs 57). Why do you think? Jesus did some mighty works for the few who did believe (Vs 54, 58). However, these works didn’t stimulate faith in the others, even though that was a primary purpose of His works (Jn 10:38) The result – “He did not, there, many mighty works, because of their unbelief.” Parallel account in Mark 6:5-6: “He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith.” (NIV) This doesn’t compromise Jesus’ Omnipotence, but shows His sovereign choice to respond to faith! A similar account – Who was the healing virtue there for? (Lk 5:17) Who got healed? (Mat 9:2) What lesson does this teach us about faith in our daily walk?