Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
Then he said unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure, The Pearl of Great Price
Classification: The Church of the Future - The enthusiasm for it
Interpretation: A man finds the gospel of Jesus Christ to be so valuable that he sells, or sacrifices, all that he has in order to attain this treasure.
Application: This year we have been studying the early members and pioneers of the church and all that they suffered and sacrificed just to be a part of God's kingdom. Many people throughout the world continue to leave behind family traditions to join that weird mormon church. I have a huge amount of respect and gratitude for those people. I was born into this church. Yes, I had to gain my own testimony like everyone else but I still feel like it was handed to me on a platter. So, the question I have to ask myself is, "How much have I been willing to sacrifice for the gospel? What all have I done to make sure that the sacrifices of my ancestors and predecessors were not done in vain? Do I take this amazing opportunity for granted? Do I do all that I can to help others without this opportunity to make their own sacrifices in order to attain the gospel in their lives?"
The Parable of the Gospel Net
Classification: The Church of the Future - the mingling within it of good and evil, The final judgment of it.
Interpretation: This parable is a lot like the wheat and tares. But instead of grains, this is fish. The fishermen bring to shore all the fish and sort the edible from the non edible.
Application: We are taught that we must live in the world but not be of the world. The influence of evil is becoming so much more prevalent than ever. I guess this parable and the wheat/tare parable can bring us hope that someday we will be separated from evil, not to look so much for being separated from "evil people" but from the influence of the adversary himself.
Reformer John Calvin said this, "Christ informs us, that a mixture of the good and the bad must be patiently endured till the end of the world; because, till that time, a true and perfect restoration of the Church will not take place. Again, he warns us, that it is not enough, and-what is more- that it is of little consequence to us, to be gathered into the fold, unless we are his true and chosen sheep...and that (disciples) might communicate with others what they had received. In this way (Christ) whets and excites their minds more and more to desire instruction. He says that teachers are like householders, who are not only careful about their own food, but have a store laid up for the nourishment of others; and who do not live at ease as to the passing day, but make provision for a future and distant period. The meaning therefore, is that the teachers of the Church ought to be prepared by long study for giving to the people, as out of a storehouse, a variety of instruction concerning the word of God, as the necessity of the case may require."
The Parable of the Householder
Classification: The Church of the future - The Enthusiasm for it.
Interpretation: Jesus asked His Apostles, "Have ye understood all these things?" And they answered, Yep. Sure did. Well, good for them. Which means I had to study this one out on my own (sigh).
He compares a householder (one who keeps the books on the household, keeps inventory on what is in stock, manages those things) to one who studies the gospel. He is to bring forth (share) out of his treasure (knowledge he has stored up) things new and old. I've read some places that think the new and old could be the New and Old Testament, or New and Old Covenant.
Application: I like the New and Old Covenant theory. I would even go so far as to include the Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, all of the current teachings from modern day prophets. We are taught to study all of these things both new and old and to share what we have learned and what we know.
From Clark's commentary on the Bible: "Every scribe - Minister of Christ: who is instructed - taught of God; in the kingdom of heaven - in the mysteries of the gospel of Christ: out of his treasury - his granary or storehouse; things new and old - a Jewish phrase for great plenty. A small degree of knowledge is not sufficient for a preacher of the Gospel. The sacred writings should be his treasure, and he should properly understand them. His knowledge does not consist in being furnished with a great variety of human learning, (though of this he should acquire as much as he can); but his knowledge consists in being well instructed in the things concerning the kingdom of heaven, and the art of conducting men thither. Again, it is not enough for a man to have these advantages in possession: he must bring them forth, and distribute them abroad. A good pastor will not, like a miser, keep these things to himself to please his fancy; nor, like a merchant, traffic with them, to enrich himself; but, like a bountiful father or householder, distribute them with a liberal though judicious hand, for the comfort and support of the whole heavenly family."
From Gill's exposition of the entire Bible: "...to bring forth such truths and doctrines, as are contained in both (Old and New Testament): rather truths that are old in themselves, but newly discovered to them, may be intended, and every new acquisition of knowledge and experience...denote the plenty and variety of Gospel provisions, which the ministers of it are to bring forth."
So applying this to me: I need to continue adding to my treasury of knowledge, I need to share that knowledge with my family and friends, especially my children, and help them build up their own treasury.
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| Parable of the hidden treasure, circa 1630, possibly Rembrandt, possibly Gerard Dou |
Thanks for studying and sharing your parable treasures!
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