Slices
Prepare
Bring to the Lord anything in your life that is in danger of becoming more important than him.
Bible passage
The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl
44 ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45 ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
The parable of the net
47 ‘Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51 ‘Have you understood all these things?’ Jesus asked.
‘Yes,’ they replied.
52 He said to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.’
Explore
There was a story in the news recently about a man who unsuccessfully attempted to purchase a landfill site that contained a computer hard drive he had thrown away. The hard drive contained millions of pounds-worth of crypto currency. Just like the men in these parables (vs 44,45), he was willing to give up anything to gain a priceless treasure. Whether one stumbles across the news of the kingdom or finds it after much searching, it demands a response of complete commitment.
As the merchant examines many pearls looking for the good ones, fishermen search through their catch to separate those they can sell from the unwanted ones. Similarly, God’s angels will, on the last day, separate the righteous from the wicked, underlining the previous parable of the wheat and weeds. To many, the idea of a final judgement may sound harsh, but we often hear those who have suffered harm cry out for justice. In the establishing of God’s kingdom, justice will prevail.
Jesus has faced opposition from religious leaders (ch 12), but even teachers of the law can find the treasure of the kingdom. It supplements that which they already have (v 52). Jesus says earlier that he has not come to replace the Jewish law but to fulfil it (Matthew 5:17–20).
Respond
Think of the time you first found the treasure of the kingdom. Pray for anyone you know who is seeking.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Job 27,28; Luke 22
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for all the volunteers helping on SU holidays and missions this year. Whether they have been assisting for years or are on a team for the first time, ask God to bless them as they show children and young people what it is to live a life of faith. (This week's prayer relate to this article.)
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
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