Learning From the Savior Saturday

Scripture of the Day:

Matthew 13:44-46

44 ¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto ^atreasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

45 ¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

46 Who, when he had found one ^apearl of great price, went and sold ^ball that he had, and bought it.

Historical Background:

One of the most prevalent forms of teaching for the Savior was through parables or stories whose message often comes through symbols or comparisons. These specific parables come after the Savior has already begun His ministry and declared Himself as the Redeemer. He is teaching a large group by the seaside and explains why he teaches in parables and then shares these verses/examples of the kingdom of heaven.

Parables can some times be difficult to fully understand, but there was a purpose to that. The Bible Dictionary gives as a good outline of how we can better study and understand parables:

Interpretation of parables. It is important to distinguish between the interpretation of a parable and the application of a parable. The only true interpretation is the meaning the parable conveyed, or was meant to convey, when first spoken. The application of a parable may vary in every age and circumstance. But if the original meaning is to be grasped, it is important to consider its context and setting. The thought to which it is linked, the connection in which it is placed, the persons to whom it is addressed, all give the clue to the right interpretation. Other rules of interpretation are: (a) Do not force a meaning on subordinate incidents. (b) Do not regard as parallel parables that are connected by superficial likeness of imagery. (c) Bear in mind that the same illustration does not always have the same significance - leaven, e.g., signifies a principle of good as well as a principle of evil. (d) Remember that the comparison in a parable is not complete, does not touch at every point. Thus, the characters of the unjust judge or the unjust steward or the nobleman who went into a far country - possibly referring to the infamous Archelaus - do not concern the interpretation of the parable. The parable draws a picture of life as it is, not as it ought to be, and compares certain points in this picture with heavenly doctrine. (e) Observe the proper proportions of a parable, and do not make the episode more prominent than the main line of teaching.

Gospel Principles Outlined:

1) The Kingdom of Heaven has immeasurable value.

2) We must expend all our effort to receive the things that God has for us.

3) For the Savior, we are the kingdom of heaven and He gave everything in order to gain us.

4) As we study the scriptures and parables, we gain great insights as we liken them to our own lives.

5) We something is important to us, we do all that we can in order to gain it.

What I Learned Today:

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is often about learning to align our priorities with those of our Heavenly Father. What are our treasures or pearls of great price? What are we seeking to find? Sometimes it can seem difficult to understand what is really of value in this life but most everyone has priorities and spends their time accordingly. For me, does my life reflect seeking after the treasures of the gospel or does it reflect one who seeks the treasure of entertainment, possessions, etc.? Here is an EFY Song that reflects the meaning of these parables:

Things I Will Implement:

I am so grateful for the constant opportunity that the Lord gives us in order to re-evaluate our priorities and turn to Him in faith and begin again. I am hopeful that as I reflect in the scriptures and live in accordance with His will, that I will be able to see more clearly the things that I need to be doing in my life. It begins there for me. Do the things that I know that I should do first, and then I will gain a greater understanding of what other things I should be doing.