These verses cover many different descriptions of the kingdom of God, but Jesus’ teachings are very brief and to the point. The first two parables He gives in this passage are the parable of the hidden treasure (13:44) and the pearl of great price (13:45-46). Both of these represent the extreme value of eternal salvation and is evidenced in the person’s willingness to sell all that he has in order to inherit salvation. In the hidden treasure parable you have a man who finds treasure in a field (entrance into the kingdom of God) and responds by selling everything he has in order to buy the field. In the pearl of great price, a merchant finds a very costly pearl and reacts by selling everything he has in order to purchase it. Jesus is saying that salvation, and ultimately entrance into the kingdom of God, is so priceless that we should be willing to abandon everything we have in order to inherit it. Jesus is not proposing a works based salvation, but is outlining the cost of salvation. At the core of salvation is the willingness on the part of the receiver to reject all of his efforts and turn to the One who is able to rescue his soul. The third teaching in this passage is the parable of the dragnet and is similar to the wheat and the tares (13:24-30,36-43). A net is cast into the sea and many kinds of fish are brought to the surface (13:47-50). The good fish were kept (genuine believers) and the bad fish (those who reject Jesus Christ) are cast into everlasting punishment at the final judgment. Jesus also gives the parable of the householder (13:51-53). This teaching represents Jesus upholding the importance of both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Neither one canceled out the other, but revealed greater insight of the law. Finally, Jesus finished speaking parables and returned to His hometown of Nazareth (13:54-58). He taught in the synagogue and the people were amazed by His teaching, wisdom, and mighty works; however, they were offended and rejected Him as the Messiah. So Jesus chose not to do any of His mighty works there. This is a sad commentary. Jesus had faithfully taught the truth, but His own people rejected Him. Ever felt rejected? We tend to feel discouraged when we proclaim the truth, but people disregard what we are saying. Don’t lose heart. Be faithful in speaking the truth to your friends, family, and others even when they don’t accept what you have to say.
Dear God, assist me in being faithful to the truth, but help me not to be disheartened when others reject me.
