Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
“Once again the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up onto the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
A Thought
Here is a picture revealed by Jesus to his disciples as how to instruct the teachers of the law about the treasure offered in the kingdom of heaven, not only available to the Jewish people but also available to the Gentile people. When Jesus came into the world, he offered himself as our perfect sacrifice to fulfill the law by paying the price of all sin. The ones of old gained treasure by faith knowing that their redeemer was promised and also those who have gained new treasure by accepting the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, have both been made the righteousness of Christ. At the end of this age the angels will separate all people one from the other–the wicked from the righteous. The wicked will be cast in the fiery furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The righteous will receive the treasure of the kingdom of heaven and Jesus will receive his treasure–his body, his bride, his Church.
Our Prayer
Father thank you for sending Jesus the Christ as our redeemer. Thank you for giving us the power of your Spirit living in us that we can learn more about your kingdom by studying your living word–the Bible. Help us to speak the truth of your word in love that may others may receive the treasure of heaven through our witness of your love and grace. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
