Sermon based on Matthew. 13:44-58

Jesus put before the crowd another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So, it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’

When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? 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? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honour except in their own country and in their own house.” And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.

The first parables focus on the supreme value of the kingdom of heaven, and describes its worth. They speak of individuals who gave up everything, they had to obtain entry into the kingdom. The net or dragnet parable sums up the same message that is found in the weeds/tares and the wheat parable, both of which highlight the day of final judgment. These teachings tell us that one should embrace the kingdom of heaven not only because of its supreme worth but also because the alternative is too terrible to comprehend.

It light of this lesson the disciples are taught by Jesus to become as scribes, to both fully comprehend, and then to transmit these kingdom truths to those who would listen.

We learn that ultimately it is God who knows where every individual stands, whether they are with Christ or they are without Him. And for those outside of Christ, who reject him and do evil, there waits a terrible judgment, seen in the parable of the net/dragnet and also in the parable of the weeds, that have an identical ending.

In this world, and in the church, the good and the bad live side by side, and we cannot separate them. But, at the end of the age, it will be God who will separate them and enact final justice. This provides the final answer to the age-old question of why the wicked seem to flourish while the righteous in Christ so often have suffering in this life. But this scenario is only true in this present world. Those who play games with God as well as those who flaunt their evil will finally pay with eternal consequences.

These teachings are meant for all to hear. Each of us in our own way must pass on these lessons of the church to others.

In summary

In the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (13:44)

Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field. When a man finds it, he hides it again and joyfully sells all he has to buy the field. This illustrates the immeasurable value of God’s kingdom, emphasizing that one should be willing to give up everything to obtain it.

Parable of the Pearl of Great Value (13:45-46)

Similarly, the kingdom is likened to a merchant seeking fine pearls. Upon finding one of great value, he sells all he owns to acquire it. This reinforces the idea that the kingdom of heaven is worth total commitment and sacrifice.

Parable of the Net or dragnet (13:47-50)

The kingdom here is compared to a net that gathers all kinds of fish. When full, the fishermen separate the good from the bad. Jesus explains that at the end of the age, angels will separate the righteous from the wicked, symbolizing divine judgment and the ultimate sorting of humanity.

The Scribe and New and Old Treasures (13:51-52)

After these teachings, Jesus asks if the disciples understand these parables. He then teaches that a teacher of the law who becomes a disciple of the kingdom is like a householder bringing out treasures both new and old, highlighting the value of combining traditional wisdom with new revelation in teaching God’s truth to others who would listen.

A Prophet Without Honour (13:53-58)

After finishing the teaching of the parables, Jesus returned to his hometown and taught in the synagogue. We are told that initially the people were amazed but then became sceptical, and finally they dishonoured Jesus when they asked,

“Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? 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? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” And they took offence at him

Jesus responded and said, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own town and in his own home.”

And due to their lack of faith in Him, he performed few miracles there. This passage emphasizes that familiarity can breed doubt, and faith is essential for recognizing God’s work.

Key Themes

The kingdom of heaven is priceless and requires total devotion. God will ultimately distinguish between the righteous and the wicked. Acceptance of God’s message requires faith, which may be lacking among those familiar with the messenger. Spiritual teachers in the church should draw on both old and new insights from the old and new testaments to guide others. The passages collectively teach about the supreme worth of God’s kingdom, the necessity of faith, and the discernment required in spiritual life. They also illustrate the many challenges Jesus faced in being recognized as who he was by those who knew him personally.

Let us pray.

O God, the fount of wisdom, you have revealed to us in Christ the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price: grant us your Spirit’s gift of discernment, that, in the midst of the things of this world, we may learn to value the priceless worth of your kingdom, and be ready to renounce all else for the sake of the precious gift you offer. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.