Treasures, Pearls and the Net Matthew 13:44-50 A study of three parables and What they mean for us

Introduction Matthew places emphasis on the “kingdom of heaven” (the church) in his gospel. Matthew 13 contains 7 parables that describe some aspect of the church. Most of these parables begin with “The kingdom of heaven is like - - -” (24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47)

Treasures – Matthew 13:44 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden 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. The church is like a treasure (great value) When one discovers the church and its value, they will do whatever it takes to possess it.

Treasures – Matthew 13:44 This parable is about the lost finding (stumbling upon) the church It is about the importance and value of the church to the lost If you are lost – you have found the church that Jesus built. It is of great value. What are you willing to sacrifice to obtain it?

Treasures – Matthew 13:44 If you have found the church to be a treasure: Believe that this church belongs to Christ Repent of the sins in your life Confess you faith in Jesus Be baptized for the remission of sins Live a life dedicated to Christ and His church

Pearl – Matthew 13:45-46 45 "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. The church is composed of merchants (us) who are out looking everywhere for pearls (the lost) that we can bring into the church.

Pearl – Matthew 13:45-46 The parable of the pearl of great price is about us, who are in the church, being active in seeking the pearls that are out there in the world. When you find one – give whatever the cost to bring them into the church. This parable is about evangelism.

Contrast these parables PEARLS TREASURE Rich man Poor man Seeking Accidentally found Sacrifice to obtain Sacrifice to obtain Church = merchant Church = treasure About members About the lost

Net – Matthew 13:47-50 47 "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 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."

Net – Matthew 13:47-50 This parable is not studied or thought about very often When you cast a net into the lake – Anything can get caught in the net When we invite people to a meeting, VBS – anyone might show up Some are really wanting to study, learn, and obey

Net – Matthew 13:47-50 There will be some that need to be sorted out Some will need to be rejected Not sincere Not have genuine faith Not ready to repent Obey for a wrong motive Hypocrite Never really converted to Christ

Net – Matthew 13:47-50 Here is the “kicker” - The ones to do the tossing out and throwing back are the angels This parable is similar to the parable of the wheat and tares. (Matthew 13:24-30) Our job is to throw out the net and bring in the fish. In the end, at the judgment, the angels will separate the wheat from tares, good fish from rejects.

Summary Treasure Pearls Net About lost who find the church and seek to obey Pearls About us who seek those to teach and obey Net Our job is to bring in all that we can Angels will separate the genuine from the frauds

Summary Final thoughts about the PEARLS we seek WHY PEARLS? Pearl is the only gem born in water. Pearl is the only gem that grows. Pearl is the only gem that is beautiful in its natural state.