Bible Study Lesson, Matthew 13:44-52
Many people want to solve the mystery of the kingdom of heaven.
Of course, we won’t absolutely know until we get there but Christ will help clarify the age old question; “What is heaven really like?“.
These parables from Jesus are about the hidden treasure, the pearl merchant and fishing nets.
Each one has a life lesson for us and teaches about what heaven is like.
What is Heaven Really Like? Jesus Explains
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
A Costly Pearl
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
A Dragnet
” Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away.
“So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
“Have you understood all these things?”
They said to Him, “Yes.”
And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” – Matthew 13:44-52 NASB
What is the Kingdom of Heaven?
Why Parables?
Jesus explained the kingdom of heaven by parables – stories the people could relate to.
They understood the principles of treasures and fishing. Christ broke down each parable into layman’s terms so there was no doubt they knew what He meant.
Revelation
Jesus reveals to the people (and to us) what the kingdom of heaven really means.
In Matthew 13:35 He says;
“I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” (Life Application Bible – NIV)
What is Heaven?
To summarize these parables, the kingdom of heaven is more valuable than anything we can have or own in our lifetime. Should we be like the man who found the pearl and sell all we have to buy it?
No, we don’t have to physically sell all our possessions but heaven and Christ should be something we desire to have.
When we ask Jesus into our lives the treasure is everlasting life — in Heaven.
The Fish and Net Parable
A time will come when we are like the fish in the net. This is the day of judgment.
God will sort out and keep the “good” people (those who have accepted Christ as Savior and have been forgiven). He will throw away the bad (those who choose not to accept Him).
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”0718042220″ locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/51P3GADj6AL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”105″]This is not easy to say but everyone in the world will die someday and will go somewhere; heaven or hell.
And, it’s not “being a good person” that will save us – we can never do enough or be good enough.
It’s what God did for us when He sent Jesus to die on the cross.
As for myself – I want to be in the basket with the “good fish“, how about you?
Love In Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 for more information.