April 29 = Life of Christ #085 Jesus Tells the Parable Of the Pearl Merchant (Matthew 13:45,46)

Parable Of Valuable Pearl

Matthew 13:45,46

Parables -

Hidden Treasure and The Great Pearl

Matthew 13:44-46

———————————————

Making Sacrifice With Joy — I heard a story once about two wealthy Christians, a lawyer and a merchant, who traveled with a group that was going around the world. As they were visiting in Korea, they saw by the side of the road, a field in which a boy was pulling a crude plow and an old man held the plow handles and guided it. The lawyer was amused and took a snapshot of the scene.

 He turned to the missionary, who served as their interpreter and guide, and he said, "That's a curious picture. I suppose they are very poor."

 The guide replied, "Yes, that is the family of Chi Noue. When the place of worship was being built, they were eager to give something to it, but they had no money, so they sold their only ox and gave the money to the church. This spring, they are pulling the plow themselves."

 The men were silent for several moments. Then the businessman replied, "That must have been a real sacrifice."

 The guide said, "They do not call it that. They thought it was fortunate that they had an ox to sell."

 I am reminded of a parable Jesus told: "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." (Matt. 13:44).

 Notice carefully the words "for joy." This man doesn't just sell everything he has; he does so with joy. He doesn't regret it. He doesn't complain about the sacrifice he has to make. In fact, he probably doesn't even consider it to be a sacrifice. He gives a lot for the field, but he gets so much more in return.

 Here are some good words for a wedding or for your marriage: Whatever sacrifice you will be required to make to preserve this common life, always make it generously. Sacrifice is usually difficult. Only love can make it easy; and perfect love can make it a joy.

 The same thing holds true in our walk with Christ. Sacrifices will be necessary, and only a deep love for Christ will make them a joy. The real test of our commitment is not so much whether we are willing to make sacrifices for our Lord, but whether we are able to make those sacrifices with joy.

Questions to Get us Thinking:

What is most likely to be found in storage: trivia, trash, or treasure?

With the proceeds from a garage sale or a moving sale, what worthy item would you purchase?

What analogies do we use today to describe the great value of something?

Text

 Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl—Matthew 13

44“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

45“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

Questions to help us “dig deeper” to find the treasure.

1. Why do you think Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a pearl?

2. What are some misconceptions of the Kingdom that still need to be correcting today?

3. What do these parables teach about the value of the Kingdom?

4. What factors about the world cause God’s ruling activity to be hidden or hard to find?

5. Given the hiddenness of God’s Kingdom, what are the characteristics of people who are most likely to find it?

6. With what emotion and energy should it be pursued?

7. What about God’s Kingdom is of great value to you and why? A. Is it worth more than any thing else? B. I think I’d miss too many of the other things. C. I’m not ready to put all my eggs in one basket.

8. What about God’s Kingdom is of great value to you?

9. What are the characteristics of people most likely to find God’s Kingdom?  John 8:42-44 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 2 Corinthians 4:18 Galatians 5:16-26 Philippians 3:19-21    1 John 4:4-6

10. Matthew 11:28-30 promises us rest because Jesus’ yoke is easy and His burden is light. How is this reconciled with the teaching of these two parables to give up all for the Kingdom?

11. In purchasing salvation for us, how did Jesus surpass the “sold all he had” of these two parables?

12. In what ways might it be argued that Jesus made a bad deal, gaining no precious pearl or countless treasure?

13. In what ways might it be argued that Jesus purchased the very best treasure, worth more than all the pearls of every sea or all the treasures in every field?

Questions to help us live it every day for The King

1. What are the possible risks and costs we encounter as we seek and find God’s Kingdom today?

2. What most enables you to sacrifice joyfully in order for God to reign through your life?

3. Living in God’s Kingdom, what are you willing to give up? If a person is not experiencing joy when he sacrifices to be a part of God’s Kingdom on earth, what might be wrong?

4. If God is to really rule in your heart, what false “sovereign” in your life must be dethroned?

"Pearl of Great Price"

https://youtu.be/b4izkrg4Cu8

April 28 = Life of Christ #084 Parable Of The Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)

Parable Of The Hidden Treasure

Matthew 13:44

Parables -

Hidden Treasure and The Great Pearl

Matthew 13:44-46

———————————————

Making Sacrifice With Joy — I heard a story once about two wealthy Christians, a lawyer and a merchant, who traveled with a group that was going around the world. As they were visiting in Korea, they saw by the side of the road, a field in which a boy was pulling a crude plow and an old man held the plow handles and guided it. The lawyer was amused and took a snapshot of the scene.

 He turned to the missionary, who served as their interpreter and guide, and he said, "That's a curious picture. I suppose they are very poor."

 The guide replied, "Yes, that is the family of Chi Noue. When the place of worship was being built, they were eager to give something to it, but they had no money, so they sold their only ox and gave the money to the church. This spring, they are pulling the plow themselves."

 The men were silent for several moments. Then the businessman replied, "That must have been a real sacrifice."

 The guide said, "They do not call it that. They thought it was fortunate that they had an ox to sell."

 I am reminded of a parable Jesus told: "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." (Matt. 13:44).

 Notice carefully the words "for joy." This man doesn't just sell everything he has; he does so with joy. He doesn't regret it. He doesn't complain about the sacrifice he has to make. In fact, he probably doesn't even consider it to be a sacrifice. He gives a lot for the field, but he gets so much more in return.

 Here are some good words for a wedding or for your marriage: Whatever sacrifice you will be required to make to preserve this common life, always make it generously. Sacrifice is usually difficult. Only love can make it easy; and perfect love can make it a joy.

 The same thing holds true in our walk with Christ. Sacrifices will be necessary, and only a deep love for Christ will make them a joy. The real test of our commitment is not so much whether we are willing to make sacrifices for our Lord, but whether we are able to make those sacrifices with joy.

Questions to Get us Thinking:

What is most likely to be found in storage: trivia, trash, or treasure?

With the proceeds from a garage sale or a moving sale, what worthy item would you purchase?

What analogies do we use today to describe the great value of something?

Text

 Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl—Matthew 13

44“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

45“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

Questions to help us “dig deeper” to find the treasure.

1. Why do you think Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a pearl?

2. What are some misconceptions of the Kingdom that still need to be correcting today?

3. What do these parables teach about the value of the Kingdom?

4. What factors about the world cause God’s ruling activity to be hidden or hard to find?

5. Given the hiddenness of God’s Kingdom, what are the characteristics of people who are most likely to find it?

6. With what emotion and energy should it be pursued?

7. What about God’s Kingdom is of great value to you and why? A. Is it worth more than any thing else? B. I think I’d miss too many of the other things. C. I’m not ready to put all my eggs in one basket.

8. What about God’s Kingdom is of great value to you?

9. What are the characteristics of people most likely to find God’s Kingdom?  John 8:42-44 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 2 Corinthians 4:18 Galatians 5:16-26 Philippians 3:19-21    1 John 4:4-6

10. Matthew 11:28-30 promises us rest because Jesus’ yoke is easy and His burden is light. How is this reconciled with the teaching of these two parables to give up all for the Kingdom?

11. In purchasing salvation for us, how did Jesus surpass the “sold all he had” of these two parables?

12. In what ways might it be argued that Jesus made a bad deal, gaining no precious pearl or countless treasure?

13. In what ways might it be argued that Jesus purchased the very best treasure, worth more than all the pearls of every sea or all the treasures in every field?

Questions to helps us live it everyday for The King

1. What are the possible risks and costs we encounter as we seek and find God’s Kingdom today?

2. What most enables you to sacrifice joyfully in order for God to reign through your life?

3. Living in God’s Kingdom, what are you willing to give up? If a person is not experiencing joy when he sacrifices to be a part of God’s Kingdom on earth, what might be wrong?

4. If God is to really rule in your heart, what false “sovereign” in your life must be dethroned?

April 27 = Life of Christ #083 Parable Of The Weeds Explained (Matthew 13:36-43)

Parable Of The Weeds Explained

Matthew 13:36-43

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

April 26 = Life of Christ #082 Jesus Tells the Parable Of The Yeast (Matthew 13:33-35)

Parable Of The Yeast

Matthew 13:33

Parables Fulfill Prophecy

Matthew 13:34,35

April 25 = Life of Christ #081 Jesus Tells the Parable Of The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32)

Parable Of The Mustard Seed

Matthew 13:31,32

Mark 4:30-34

Parables -

Parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast

Matthew 13:31-33

———————————————

Mustard Seed Faith — There are people all around you with low self-esteem, because everybody has insecurities.

In fact, studies have shown that the younger you are when you first experience rejection, the more serious implications it has in your life. It’s almost like a curse when people say, “You’re not going to amount to anything. You don’t matter.”

How do you reverse a curse? You start believing what Jesus says about you instead of believing what other people say about you. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:7, “If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.”

Jesus wants you to believe in others the way he believes in you. Jesus affirmed people around him. When he looked at people, he saw their potential and what God intended them to be. He brought out the best in people not by labeling them but by saying, “I believe you can do it. I know you can do it.”

Look at this series of verses:

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

“Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23b

“Then Jesus told them, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more.” Matthew 21:21

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12

How is that possible? When Jesus Christ was physically on Earth, he could only be in one place at one time. Now, Jesus puts the Holy Spirit in me and you and anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior. Jesus believes you can do great works because you have the Holy Spirit in you. He believes in you!

Jesus wants you to believe in others, too, and express to them the potential you see in them to do great things for God.

“Help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.” Romans 1:12

Opening Questions — Get Us Thinking:

· If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.

· Can you think of a person in your past who might have planted “mustard seed” in you?

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast — Matthew 13:31-35

31He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

33He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds^b of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

34Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:

“I will open my mouth in parables,

I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Research Questions — “Dig Deeper” to find God’s Will

1. What is the main point of this parable?

2. In these parables, what aspects of Jesus’ ministry seem small? What is the promise if the small seed is sown?

3. What does this passage say it takes to grow spiritually?

4. If these are the elementary things of the Word — what do you think would be the “mature” things?

5. At what spiritual age should a Christian begin to feed on the “mature” things?

6. When you see a mature Christian, what makes you identify him or her as mature?

7. What are some reasons why so many Christians remain at the elementary level?

8. How does the kingdom of heaven become evident to others?

9. In what ways can a church involve “infant” Christians and make them feel like members of the family?

Reflective Questions — Live it today.

1. Where (in your life or in Christ’s church) have you seen faith like “yeast” or a “mustard seed” have a great impact?

2. What are some telltale signs that we have our spiritual life separated from all the other areas of our life?

3. What would you become if you truly allowed God’s kingdom within you to penetrate all these vital areas: your intellectual life, your professional life, your social life, your recreational life, and your emotional life?

4. Have your feelings changed as you have matured in your spiritual life?

 God can turn small beginnings into great endings. Seeds of faith can become towering trees of spiritual strength and leadership.

Further Reading
Kingdom Parables

April 22 = Life of Christ #080 Parable Of The Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30)

Parable Of The Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30

In your family, who liked to play practical jokes? Any one joke stand out?
What childhood dream has become a reality for you (example -- learned to play the piano, became a brain surgeon?

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• In the parable of the weeds in Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43 who is the sower? What does the wheat represent? The weeds? The enemy? The Harvest?
• How does this parable relate to Matthew 7:15-20?
• Why does this parable so puzzle the disciples? Why is patience and tolerance toward unbelievers difficult for them (and for us)?
• What does this passage teach about church purity? Divine patience? Human accountability?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• In what way can over-zealous judgment of the world and its evils harm our mission as believers? Where is the harvest field God has placed you?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Other Resources:

 

Document for DBS

Series: True Story “Parables of Jesus”

Stories are the language of the soul. We connect with stories and we remember them. That is why Jesus used storytelling so often to illustrate deeper truths. His stories, known as parables, were Jesus’ way to communicate important Kingdom principles. Although the details of these stories were imagined, the Kingdom principles are not. They are true and eternal.

Title: “Ears to Hear” (Kingdom Parables)

Bookmark: Click Here

Opening Thoughts: In his life and teachings, Jesus shapes our view of the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom parables of Matthew 13 give us a vantage point of life under the reign of Jesus, and confront us with the choice to live as citizens of his kingdom.

v  Finishes the statement:

o   That’s why God gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth.

§  Gen Z Slang with Brett Hawley

• Bussin’
• The GOAT
• Cap
• Throwing Shade
• Flex
• Bet

===============================================================

Text: Matthew 13:24-52

The Parable of the Weeds

²⁴ Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. ²⁵ But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. ²⁶ When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

²⁷ “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

²⁸ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

²⁹ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

³¹ He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. ³² Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

³³ He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

³⁴ Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. ³⁵ So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:

“I will open my mouth in parables,
    I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”

 

The Parable of the Weeds Explained

³⁶ Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

³⁷ He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

⁴⁰ “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. ⁴² They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

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.

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

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. ⁴⁸ When 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. ⁴⁹ This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous ⁵⁰ and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

⁵¹ “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

⁵² He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

===============================================================

Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.

v  Review and retell the story.

Reflections for applications:

v   Life in the Kingdom…

o   Matthew 13:23-20

§  Evil Still Exists

·         Matthew 5:43-45 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

o   Matthew 13:31-32

§  Good can rise above

·         Trust in God to work.

·         Example is Joseph in Egypt. Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

o   Matthew 13:33

§  Good can overcome evil

·         Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

·         Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

o   Matthew 13:40-43

§  End Results

v  Pursuing & Possessing the …

o   Unexpected Treasure

§  Matthew 13:44

o   Searched For Treasure

§  Matthew 13:45-46

v  The Importance of the Decision

o   The Sorting is Coming

§  Matthew 13:47-50

 

Digging Questions:

·         How will you respond to God’s “True Story”? What transformative move needs to be made?

·         What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?

·         What is God calling us (me and you individually) to do?

Take Away Challenges

·         What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

·         Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

·         What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?

Hash tags #Parables #Kingdom #Hear

Sunday sermon link https://youtu.be/3pw7RQMEELo

Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources:       Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes

Comments and resources with some more resources:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A24-52&version=NIV