Walking on, or Sinking in, the Storms of Life:

Context:

• immediately following the feeding of the 5000, Jesus sends His disciples in a boat to cross the sea of Galilee to (Mark:Bethsaida, John:Capernaum: Some think Bethsaida was a fishing suburb of Capernaum).
• Jesus then goes up the mountain to pray (finally some alone time with the Father).
• while Jesus enjoys His solitude, the boat is beaten by the waves.
• the wind was against them.
• in the fourth watch of the night Jesus walks across the sea to meet them.

Why would Jesus make His disciples leave?

• John 6:15 “...Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself...”

• since the people wanted to make Him king, He was likely removing His disciples from this influence.

When is the fourth watch?

• a twelve hour night had four watches of 3 hours each.
• night started at 6 pm.
• the fourth watch would be from 3-6 am.

 

Matthew 14:27-31 “...But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?...”

Mark 6:49-52 “...but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened...”

John 6:20-21 “...But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going...”

Were the disciples battling the storm most of the night?

• John 6:19 “...When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened...”

•  Matthew 14:24 “...but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them...”

 In the midst of crisis, how did the disciples react to presence of Jesus?

• they were terrified (Mark)

What was Jesus response to the disciples condition?

• “...do not be afraid...”

How did Peter then answer Jesus?

• he wanted to minimize the distance between himself and Jesus.

Is Peter’s response a good example for us to follow when facing life’s storms?

Why did Peter, and why do we, start sinking in the middle of life’s storms?

• we are influenced by what we set our eyes upon.
• our focus is easily distracted from the author and perfector of our faith.

What is the problem with staying in the boat?

• stepping toward Jesus reveals our doubt, but helps us grow.
• cowering in the boat doesn’t increase our faith.

What is the result of welcoming Jesus into our presence?

•  Mark 6:51 “...he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased...”

•  John 6:21 “...they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going...”

• the purpose He has for us is realized.

Matthew 14:33 “...And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God...”

• accepting His Lordship leads to worship.

Mark 6:51 “...And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,...”

• existanto - literally “out of their minds"
• seeing the authority and power of Jesus is no small matter.

Mark 6:52 “...for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened...”

How did misunderstanding the loaves lead the disciples to 'lack of faith'?

• How many signs and wonders are necessary to soften a person’s heart?
• What does it take for a person to come to complete confidence in Jesus?

Feeding the Hungry: 5000+

Context:

• Herod had given the daughter of his brother’s wife the head of John the Baptist.
• hearing of the fame of Jesus, Herod suspects He is John the Baptist raised from the dead.

 If Herod thought that highly of John the Baptist, how could he behead him?

• Herod the Great appears to have died shortly after Christ’s birth.
• Herod the Tetrarch was his son, a captive of his fleshly appetites.
• He recognized something special about John the Baptist, but didn’t like him.
• It’s difficult to make good decisions while ensnared in sin.
• the disciples of John buried his body, then went to tell Jesus of his cruel death.
• upon hearing, Jesus withdrew, in a boat, to a desolate place to be alone.
• but the crowds followed Him, and with compassion he met their needs.
• the disciples tried to dismiss the crowd to nearby villages.

Matthew 14:16-18 “...But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me...”

Mark 6:38 “...And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish...”

Luke 9:13-14 “...But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish - unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each...”

John 6:5-13 “...Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten...”

Does Jesus expect His followers to do the impossible?

• From the world’s perspective, yes. 200 denarii would have been eight months’ wages, and because of the remoteness of their location, even if they had the money, it was unlikely that a small local village could feed upwards of 20,000 people. 
• From the kingdom’s perspective, no. God has always provided for His people, and obedience to the Lord’s command would always be possible. “Where God guides, God provides”.

What was the sequence of events from v.18 to v.20?

• Five loaves and two fish were brought to Jesus.
• Jesus looked to heaven and said a blessing.
• Jesus broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples.
• All (5000 men plus women and children) ate and were satisfied.
• Twelve baskets full of broken pieces were left over.

Does Jesus believe in leftovers?

• the John account includes Jesus telling the disciples to gather up the leftovers.
• if you can feed more than 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, why worry about the leftovers?
• should we ever take for granted or squander God’s provisions.
• 12 baskets, 12 disciples.

Are we okay with doing God’s bidding and living on leftovers?

How does this compare to mega ministries that live luxuriously on the donations of well meaning people?

• Ezekiel 34:10 “...Thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them...”

Was Jesus doing something that hadn’t been done before?

• 2 Kings 4:42-44 “...A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give to the men, that they may eat.” But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” So he set it before them. And they ate and had some left, according to the word of the LORD...”

Was Jesus doing something pretty exciting?

• John 6:15 “...Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself...”

Rewards:

Matthew 10:40-42 “...Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward...”

Context:

- there's lots of work to be done.

- laborers are to go out proclaiming the Kingdom.

- they will be sheep in the midst of wolves.

- family and friends will turn against them.

- they will get the same treatment Christ received.

- no fear, no peace, but rewards?

How do people have the opportunity to receive the Father?

- by receiving those that Jesus sends to them.

- to receive those sent is to receive Jesus is to receive the Father.

What is a prophet’s reward?

- what does a prophet bring? [a prophet presents God to people].

- is that rewarding?

What is a righteous person’s reward?

- Jesus declared the need for righteousness beyond religious externals.

- Jesus proclaimed a blessing on the pure in heart - they shall see God.

- is seeing God rewarding?

Who are the little ones that can be given a cup of cold water?

- the disciples that Jesus sends

Who gets the rewards in this passage?

- people who receive those that Jesus sends to them, and treat them well.

How well are the representatives of Jesus received in America today?

Is the prophet’s reward being enjoyed?

Is the righteous person’s reward being enjoyed?

Why are rewards being lost on a regular basis?

NO PEACE:

Matthew 10:34-36 “...Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household...”

Luke 12:49-53 “...I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law...”

Why did Jesus come?

- to set families against one another.

What were the Jews expecting?

- a Messiah who would overthrow the current government to bring a government more to their liking, and peace.

How did the Jews misunderstand what was about to take place?

- Jesus wasn’t overthrowing governments.

- Jesus was revealing the will of His Father.

- Jesus was teaching Kingdom principles that many would reject.

- Jesus was about to offer Himself as an atonement for sin.

- Jesus wasn’t on a worldly assignment, but on a Kingdom assignment.

How did the prophet Micah accurately describe the situation?

Micah 7:4-7 “...The day of your watchmen, of your punishment, has come; now their confusion is at hand. Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms; for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house. But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me...”

- the situation on earth would be confusing.

- there would be danger in trusting others.

What would be needed during this time of confusion?

- not a focus on traditions, family, or friends.

- a focus on the Lord, the only means of salvation.

Does this situation only describe the days that Jesus was walking on the earth?

- this is a perfect description of our days as well.

- we can’t simply look to our traditions, our churches, our family, or our friends.

Hebrews 10:19-22 ”...Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water...”

Hebrews 12:2 “...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God...”

How was the sword an accurate depiction of what Jesus came for?

Ephesians 6:17 ”...and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,...”

Hebrews 4:12 “...For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart...”

- Jesus came as Truth to a world overcome by lies.

- the Truth causes considerable violence in a world that strongly embraces untruth.

Was Jesus advocating conflict?

- His teaching was to turn the other cheek.

- He was merely describing the violence that occurs with truth and untruth meet.

Was He describing the effect, not the purpose, for His earthly visit?

- was it necessary for this to occur?

Matthew 10:37-39 “...Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it...”

Is it wrong to love fathers, mothers, sons and daughters?

- it is only wrong to love them more than Jesus.

What is the test of whether a person loves family more than Jesus?

- losing personal life to follow Him.

- self sacrifice instead of self indulgence.

What does it mean to carry one’s own cross?

- probably not simply a ‘burden or trial to bear’.

- a criminal in the Roman Empire had to participate in their own crucifixion.

- a Christian participates in putting worldly ways to death (a shameful, painful road to a dreadful execution).

Will a person follow Jesus if they don’t crucify their selfish ways?

What conflict have you encountered because of following Jesus?

NO FEAR:

Context:

- there's lots of work to be done.

- laborers are to go out proclaiming the Kingdom.

- they will be sheep in the midst of wolves.

- family and friends will turn against them.

- they will get the same treatment Christ received.

Matthew 10:26-27 “...So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops..."

What do you think is unseen but will be made known?

- error of those who persecute God's workers.

- innocence and integrity of those who take the abuse (like Christ).

- the truth that Jesus is!

1 Corinthians 4:5 "...Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God..."

- are we ready to have the purposes of our hearts disclosed?

How can this help a person "have no fear"?

- being on the side of truth has a long term reward.

- temporary suffering can be endured with the future in sight (like Christ).

Where does Jesus do most of His intimate teaching?

- apart from the masses.

- in places with more solitude.

Where does Jesus tell His followers to do their proclaiming?

- where everyone can hear.

Do we freely and fearlessly proclaim the truth of Christ Jesus?

How does the Lord's direction to speak boldly in public places contradict America's current stance on religious activity?

- America's policies attempt to remove this activity from public places.

- Do these policies lead to persecution?

- Do we fear this persecution?

Matthew 10:28-33 "...And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven..."

Are there those who can actually kill you for proclaiming Christ?

- this is certainly happening in other parts of the world.

- did this happen at Columbine in America?

Are there those who can humiliate you for proclaiming Christ?

Will this keep you from proclaiming Christ?

Why should the threat of death or humiliation not prevent you from being a laborer?

- temporal death or humiliation is a small thing compared with eternal death.

What is the result of denying Christ before men for self preservation?

- preserving current status in this world but losing kingdom status.

How is this passage consistent with Jesus teachings on the resurrection of all?

 - both body and soul are destroyed in hell.

How can the sparrow reference reduce fear?

- fear comes from thinking you're on your own in an extremely dangerous situation.

- are we ever on our own?

- does God care about His creation?

- does God interact with His creation?

If you die for your Christian stance, does that mean God doesn't care?

- did Father God care for Jesus Christ when He hung on the cross?

Persecution Comes: Not a cakewalk:

Context:

- there's lots of work to be done.

- laborers are to go out proclaiming the Kingdom.

- they are to heal, resurrect, cleanse, and cast out demons.

- they aren't to be self sufficient.

- they may or not be welcomed.

Matthew 10:16-18 “...Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles..."

Is being a sheep in the midst of wolves something a person would normally choose?

- most prefer to stay safe, which is why the laborers are few.

Why are both wisdom and innocence necessary?

- wisdom provides safety in the midst of a dangerous world.

- innocence prevents a person from adding to the present danger and chaos.

- having both increases safety while avoiding unnecessary provocation.

What did Jesus know was in store for His disciples?

- the same thing that was in store for Him.

- beaten and dragged before the world's authorities.

What wonderful opportunity would be available within the danger?

- the same thing that was in store for Jesus.

- the opportunity to bear witness to the good intentions of God.

Matthew 10:19-20 "...When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you..."

Are we prepared to face hostile authorities?

What is the difference between If and When?

- Jesus wasn't preparing them for If, but for When they faced hostile authorities.

What would be your biggest concern when facing this situation?

- outcome? personal safety? ability to talk yourself out of trouble?

What would be your biggest need when facing this situation?

- ability to say what the Father wanted.

How would this need be met?

- by the Holy Spirit doing the talking.

Matthew 10:21-23 "...Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes..."

Who causes the laborers to be dragged before the world's authorities?

- brothers, fathers, children.

- the very people who should be trustworthy.

Why is endurance needed?

- the events aren't pleasant.

- the end result is worth the pain and struggle.

What is the end result?

- salvation.

Matthew 10:24-25 “...A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household..."

What can disciples of Christ expect as they labor to carry on the work of Christ?

- the same treatment that Christ received.

What a Harvest: Lots to be done.

Matthew 9:37-38 “...The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest...”

Luke 10:2 "...The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest..."

What had taken place in Chapter 9 leading up to this verse?

9:22 - Woman with issue of blood for 12 years was healed.

9:25 - The ruler's daughter was raised from the dead.

9:30 - Two blind men received their sight.

9:33 - A demon was cast out of a mute man and he spoke.

Context:

- Jesus is now on His third circuit around Galilee.

- He went through the cities and villages.

- He taught in their synagogues

- He proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom

- He healed every disease and every affliction.

- He had compassion on the helpless, harassed crowds.

What is now needed?

- laborers.

To do what?

- Is He looking for someone to make converts?

- Is He looking for someone to make disciples?

- Is He looking for someone to take care of hurting people?

- Jesus has compassion on the helpless, harassed crowds.

Are there any helpless, harassed crowds in our world today?

- laborers are needed to teach, preach, and heal.

Was Jesus being religiously theoretical, or practical and real?

The next section should clarify the request and prevent any misunderstanding of intent.

What labor:

Matthew 10:5-8 "...These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay..."

What did Jesus expect his disciples to do?

How can disciples be expected to do these things?

- only by the power and authority of Jesus Himself.

Does Jesus provide supernatural power to His followers?

What provisions:

Matthew 10:9-11 "...Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart..."

Luke 9:3 “...Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics..."

Did Jesus expect his disciples to be well funded?

What results:

Matthew 10:12-15 "...As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town..."

Mark 6:10-11 “...Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them...”

Luke 9:4-5 "...And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them...”

Would it always be easy?

Everlasting Family:

Matthew 12:48-50 "...But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother...”

Mark 3:33-35 "...And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother...”

Luke 8:21 "...But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it...”

Context:

- Jesus is in the middle of ministry, in a crowd.

- His mother and brothers try to reach Him, but can't.

- Jesus is informed of that they are trying to reach Him.

- Jesus asks "who are my mother and my brothers?"

Can you name any of the brothers of Jesus? Were they older or younger?

Matthew 13:55 "...Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?..."

- obviously younger because Jesus was born of a virgin.

Did Jesus have any sisters?

Matthew 13:56 "...And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?...”

Did Jesus love His mother and brothers?

- even while perishing on the cross He made provision for His mother.

John 19:26-27 "...When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home..."

Why would He make these comments about "Who is my mother"?

- Jesus is not rejecting His earthly family, but rather expressing priorities.

- He always directs focus to more than the common culture embraces.

1 John 2:15-17 "...Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever..."

- The culture of our time defines family much differently than cultural of Jerusalem. There's was a time when wives, children and slaves were absolutely expected to obey the father of the household.

- Jesus was presenting the coming Kingdom with the necessity to hear the word of God and absolutely do it.

- true discipleship is not from physical relationships but from obedience to the word and will of the Father.

- mere religion and family relationships doesn't place a person in right standing with God the Father.

Did any of His brothers learn anything from what Jesus was emphasizing here?

James 1:22 "...But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves..."

What is the difference between coming to Jesus and asking Jesus to come to you?

- on whose terms does discipleship and a position in the family of God depend?

What family is most important to you?

No Honor in Hometown:

Matthew 13:57 "...And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household...”

Mark 6:3-6 "...And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching..."

Why would the hometown crowd take offense at Jesus?

- the ministry of Jesus was moving beyond what they knew to be true.

Matthew 11:6 "...And blessed is the one who is not offended by me...”

When do we take offense at Jesus?

- when He moves beyond what we've accepted as the only truth.

Do we have any stubborn prejudices that need to be touched by divine grace?

When can the church be a place where the ministry of Jesus is rejected?

- when people think they are in the know.

- when people want what they want.

- when people want Jesus to come to them, but are unwilling to walk with Him.

The Pearl of Great Price:

Matthew 13:45-46 “...Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it..."

What does a merchant look for?

- valuable items.

What do people look for?

- value in life.

- contentment, security, companionship, meaning.

What does the kingdom of heaven cost a person?

Isaiah 55:1 “...Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price..."

Revelation 3:18 "...I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see..."

The Net: Catching good and bad.

Matthew 13:47-50 “...Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth..."

Why do fishermen sort the fish that they catch?

- the net catches a variety of fish, some good, some bad.

How is this parable like the wheat/weeds parable?

- it points to a day of judgment.

- everyone doesn't face the same end.

- Jesus has no difficulty claiming that some are evil and some are righteous.

Can a person know whether they are a good fish or a bad fish?

Can a person make themselves a good fish or a bad fish?

Capice: Got it?

Matthew 13:51-52 “...Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old....”

Do we understand the seven parables?

What did the original hearers understand and not understand?

- the Messiah would reign, but world rulers would exist until the 2nd coming.

- there would be righteousness, but good and evil would coexist up to the 2nd coming.

- the kingdom would include a growing number of people, including Gentiles.

- the Old Covenant would lead into the New Covenant.

Walking with Jesus requires remembering old lessons and learning new ones.

Wheat / Weeds Explanation:

Context:

- Jesus left the crowds and entered the house.

- the disciples take the opportunity to ask about the wheat parable.

Matthew 13:37-43 "...He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear..."

Where does the good seed come from?

- from Jesus.

Where does the bad seed come from?

- from the devil.

When is the harvest?

- the close of the age.

Who does the reaping?

- the angels.

Where do law-breakers and sin-causers end up?

- the fiery furnace.

- a place of weeping and gnashing teeth.

Where do the righteous end up?

- the Father's kingdom.

- a place where righteousness shines like the sun.

The Hidden Treasure:

Matthew 13:44 “...The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field..."

Why is the kingdom like hidden treasure?

- it's extremely valuable.

- it's more often missed than seen.

Why did the man have joy?

- the unseen was now seen, and it was of great value.

Why would someone sell all that they have?

- the man realized the insignificance of what he had compared to what he could obtain.

Mark 10:21-22 "...And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions..."

Why didn't the rich young ruler "buy the field"?

- he didn't recognize its value.

- he could only see the earthly treasure he was accumulating.

What is the treasure?

- Jesus doesn't offer an interpretation.

- some say eternal life, but can you buy it?

- some say the people of God, and Jesus bought them at a great price.