In contrast, the
pearl merchant was deliberately looking for the most exquisite gem in the world.
He found it and sold everything so to purchase it.
Jesus showed the
accent is not on the actual finding, but on the response to the find. One may
stumble upon it while another may be diligently seeking it. Upon finding the
kingdom, one understands the absolute worth of its unmatched quality — so much
so that no sacrifice is too great to live in God’s will with Jesus as Lord.
Show Me the
Kingdom! Consider a Fishing Net. You’ll See The Consequences of Choices.
Fishing was one
of the main industries in Jesus’ day. Nets were used to bring in a tremendous
catch. Once on the shore, good fish were separated from bad ones, which was
a common practice, given the dietary restrictions of Leviticus. Some fish were
unclean.
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Jesus showed the
kingdom at the end of the age. He said the good will be separated from the
bad. The angels of God will separate the wicked from the righteous — non-believers
from believers, those who have denied the message of the Gospel from those who
have accepted the message.
There are all kinds
of fish in the sea. Some good. Some not so good. There are all kinds of people
in the world. Each has a choice and there are consequences that go along with
those choices.
Show Me The
Kingdom! Consider The Householder’s Treasure. You’ll See Your Role in It.
A Christian scribe
is a learned student and herald of traditions, able to interpret the Bible to
the Christian community. All Christians have direct access to the mysteries
of the kingdom, but some may require the assistance of trained pastors and theologians.
Jesus shows the
kingdom by underscoring the role of all believers, but especially the clergy,
in passing on His tradition to the church and an unbelieving world.
Want to see the
Kingdom? Jesus will show you.
____________________
Sermon brief provided by: Jimmy Gentry, Pastor of
Tabernacle Baptist Church in Carrollton, GA