In The Footsteps Of The Master:In The Footsteps Of The Master:The Life and Times of Jesus ChristThe Life and Times of Jesus Christ

Parables of the treasure, the pearl, and the net.

August 23, 2009Matthew 13:44-53

www.FootstepsOfTheMaster.info

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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.  

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?

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

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.

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.

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!

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!!!!

One more question (13:51)• 51"Have you understood all these things?"

Jesus asked.       "Yes," they replied.

•  Do you understand these three parables?

www.FootstepsOfTheMaster.info 16

Next WeekNext Week• TBD (Pulled from official class website)