1. In The Footsteps Of The Master: The Life and Times of Jesus Christ Parables of the treasure, the pearl, and the net. August 23, 2009 Matthew 13:44-53 www.FootstepsOfTheMaster.info

2. Parable of the Treasure 44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

3. Discussion Who is the man who, filled with joy, abandoned everything to which he could lay claim in order to buy that field? Someone who discovers God, such joy instantly fills them that he must pursue God at all cost. What did Jesus tell the rich young ruler? This treasure-finder does exactly that – sells everything he has to follow God. This inspires Christian men and women to the right attitude of discipleship.

4. Where moth and rust do not destroy What does it means to be rich towards God? To believe that in the end He is all you need and to pursue Him in such a way that your hands are opened Becoming instruments in His hands pushing back what’s dark in the world.

5. Pearl The Parables of the Pearl 45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

6. Twin Pack Both of these parables underscore the great joy of the Kingdom of God. There is nothing equal or in comparison. As the first disciples had left their fishing boats and business, home and familiar relationships to follow Jesus, the call of Kingdom demands our all. Does Jesus ask us to “sell”/get rid of anything today?

7. Pearl of Great Price Those who would have a saving interest in Christ, must be willing to part with all for him, leave all to follow him. Whatever stands in opposition to Christ, or in competition with him for our love and service, we must cheerfully quit it, though ever so dear to us. A man may buy gold too dear, but not this pearl of price. – Matthew Henry

8. Matthew 13:47-50 The Parable of the Net 47"Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

9. Focus On Being Fish The net here is a sagene, or a dragnet So this is the type of net that gets dragged through the water and picks up EVERYTHING in its path (seaweed, boots, fish, and tires) This is where our story is and exists in. We are caught up in the net along with what is good and what is bad Do you thinks it’s our job to sort out everything before being brought up onto the boat?

10. Net of Good and Bad Habakkuk 1:14 14 You have made men like fish in the sea, like sea creatures that have no ruler. When the net is full and drawn to the shore, there shall be a separation between the good and the bad that were gathered in it. Who is Jesus referring to as Good and Bad fish? Angels will determine as commissioned by God

11. Keepers Whether or not they become "keepers" will be determined by how they respond with their life. What matters in the end are those who have been truly transformed and converted by a life changing commitment to Christ.

12. Discussion Do you think the net is the church, extending the gospel invitation? 2 Peter 3:9 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

13. How it Will Be v. 49 ‘so shall it be’ – No loopholes, no way out…now it is too late. Satan has some success at convincing people there’s no hell, His best tool he whispers in the most ears is not that there’s no hell or no heaven, but that there’s no hurry! But on this day in our text ‘so shall it be’…the end, no more chances and no more hope! Its time we warn our loved ones and even complete strangers because the time is very short!

14. He wouldn’t Many people today are saying that God would never send someone to hell. God doesn’t send them, they send themselves as they reject Jesus and His wrath absorbing death on the cross How should we respond to a parable like this? It should burden us to witness like there’s no tomorrow, for there may not be. Every single day, 600,000 people die and enter eternity!!!!

15. One more question (13:51) 51"Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied. Do you understand these three parables?

16. www.FootstepsOfTheMaster.info 16 Next Week TBD (Pulled from official class website)