Is The Lord Jesus Precious To You?

Matthew 13: 44-52 (NIV)

In the next two parables, the Lord Jesus Christ likens the kingdom of heaven to treasure hidden in a field and to a very precious pearl (44-45).

Both parables are similar in that both men find something of immense value that they must have, whatever the cost.

*******

In the first case, the man was not seeking treasure, but stumbled upon it.

*******

In the second case, the man was a seeker after beautiful pearls.

*******

The first man went and sold all that he had to purchase the field and so gain the treasure.

*******

The second man did likewise to obtain his precious pearl.

*******

The point of both parables is that the Lord Jesus Christ is wonderful and precious in His person.

He gives such priceless blessings, that no price is too great to pay to gain Him.

*******

We cannot purchase salvation.

But there is a price to pay for discipleship.

We have to deny ourselves and take up our cross to follow Christ.

*******

Is the Lord Jesus precious to you?

*******

The parable of the dragnet is similar to that of the tares sown among the wheat in its meaning.

At the end of the age, the wicked will be separated from the righteous and cast into hell.

There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

*******

Jesus asked his disciples, “Have you understood all these things?”

They needed to be sure that the warning of their Master had sunk in.

It would affect the way they lived and preached.

*******

If we do not understand that not everyone will go to heaven and that many will go to hell, we are in great peril, for we will be complacent about our own spiritual state!