The Parables: Part 12 When Surrender Means Victory

The Parables

Part 12 – When Surrender Means Victory

Matthew 13:44-50

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Value

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. Matthew 13:44-46

The Kingdom of Heaven/Salvation is priceless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9

Jesus makes clear that salvation is worth far more than any sacrifice you make to acquire it.

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5

Surrender is the sacrifice, the cost to us, in choosing to follow Jesus.

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. Matthew 13:45-46

The eternal life, amazing grace and unconditional love given to us through Jesus Christ is the priceless pearl, that when found, makes further searching completely worthless.

The “great value” is not what we pay for Him, but what Christ has paid for us!

When we find Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers, we’re willing to give up everything we have to obtain it!

With Jesus, surrender means victory!

What does it mean to surrender your life to Christ?

Step 1 – To admit I’m a sinner in need of a Savior.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23.

Step 2 – To relinquish control of my life to Jesus.

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-22

Step 3 – To die to self daily in order to live for Christ!

14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Luke 9:23-25

Step 4 – To strive to live for Christ every day.

26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Luke 9:26

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. Matthew 13:47-50

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. Matthew 13:49-50

A day of reckoning is coming when God will separate authentic believers from mere pretenders, and those pretenders will spend eternity apart from Him in a real place called hell.

9 The Lord… is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Today’s Song List:

Great Things

Made For More

Breathe

Living Hope