SUMMARY
Belonging to the kingdom is like finding hidden treasure or that one fine pearl. Like a net of fish, at the end of time the righteousA righteous person is one who is ethical and faithful to God's covenant. Righteousness in the Old Testament is an attitude of God; in the New Testament it is a gift of God through grace. In the New Testament righteousness is a relationship with God... More and evil will be separated. As ones who have been “discipled” for the kingdom (the word translated “trained” is the same word as the “make disciples” in Jesus’ Great Commission of 28:19). Jesus’ followers understand his message as a treasure that binds together the old and new of God’s promises.
ANALYSIS
Jesus’ parableA parable is a brief story with a setting, an action, and a result. A prominent aspect of Jesus' teaching was telling parables to illustrate something about the kingdom, or reign, of God. More discourse now concludes with three parables unique to MatthewA tax collector who became one of Jesus' 12 disciples More and exhibiting characteristic Matthean themes. The description of the kingdom as like finding treasure or a fine pearl underscores the surprising graceGrace is the unmerited gift of God's love and acceptance. In Martin Luther's favorite expression from the Apostle Paul, we are saved by grace through faith, which means that God showers grace upon us even though we do not deserve it. More of the kingdom, while the parable of the net, with its separation of the good and the bad, emphasizes the seriousness of discipleA disciple is a person who accepts and follows the pronouncements of a teacher. Jesus chose twelve disciples (also called "apostles" in some of the Gospels) to follow him and bear witness to his message Anyone who (like them) follows Jesus is engaged in Christian... More response in the face of the coming judgment at the end of time. Matthew’s disciples confidently assert that they have understood the message of Jesus’ parable teaching. As if to confirm their judgment, JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity More does not contradict their yes, but now encourages them to use this understanding in the conduct of life in the meantime, as they “bring out of that treasure” the rich resources of the old and the new.
