Tag: Craig Blomberg

The Treasure, the Pearl, and the Net

Matt EricksonLeave a comment

This past weekend at Eastbrook, I concluded our series, “Stories of the Kingdom: Parables of Jesus,” by looking at three parables of Jesus: the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great prices, and the net of fish. All of these parables, as well as Jesus concluding comments, are found in Matthew 13:44-52. These three brief parables open up to us some profound realities about God’s kingdom.

You can find the message video and outline below. You can also view the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

“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.”  (Matthew 13:44)

The Parable of the Treasure and the Pearl (Matthew 13:44-46)

  • The kingdom of God is more valuable than anything else
  • The disciples’ wholehearted response to God’s kingdom will be evident to all
  • Those who find the kingdom of God receive the gift now

The Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47-50)

  • The present reality: good and bad fish intermixing in the water
  • The future gathering: gathering all kinds with God as judge
  • The future destiny: the wicked cast away and the righteous kept

Bringing Out the Old and the New

  • Jesus is the fulfillment of the law
  • Disciples of Jesus are teachers of both old and new

Dig Deeper:

This week dig deeper into Jesus’ parables in one or more of the following ways:

  • Journal about one of these three parables, expressing your thoughts about them, what God is teaching you through them, as well as your prayers to God about them.
  • Draw, paint, or ink the parables as a way of reflecting on what Jesus is saying and praying about your own response to the Lord.
  • Parables are stories that take everyday things and bring forth deeper, spiritual meanings. Consider how you would describe what God’s kingdom is all about through your own parable. Maybe you could tell it to someone else or write it down to share with others.
  • Consider exploring more of Jesus’ parables by reading “All the Parables of Jesus” at the Jesus Film Project or reading Craig L. Blomberg’s book, Interpreting the Parables.