IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

What is Truly Valuable?

Date: Jul. 23, 2015

Passage

Matthew 13:44-58 

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

The Parable of the Net

47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

New and Old Treasures

51 “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, 54 and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 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? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Matthew 13:44a

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

First, more parables about the kingdom (44-52). Some people encounter the kingdom of heaven like a man who stumbles upon a treasure in a field. Others find the kingdom like a merchant who diligently searches for fine pearls. Regardless, in both cases, the man and the merchant realize the great value of what they found. They sell everything to obtain it. But not everyone in the world is like this. Others are wicked and do not value the kingdom of heaven. One day God will separate the righteous from the wicked, like a fisherman who separates the good fish from the bad. How much do you value the kingdom of heaven?

Second, Jesus rejected in his hometown (53-58). Jesus visited his hometown and taught in the synagogue. The people were amazed at his teaching. However, they were also skeptical. They questioned his credibility because they knew his human and family background. They were blind to the great treasure in their midst. Jesus knew their hearts. He did not perform many miracles there.

Prayer: Lord, please help me to value your kingdom more than earthly things.

One Word: Our treasure, the kingdom of heaven

Daily Bread

God is Our Deliverer

Psalm 78:40-72

Key Verse: 78:65

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
like a strong man shouting because of wine.

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