Understanding the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven Part IV
Last week we covered the 3rd and 4th parables in Matthew Chapter 13. The Parable of The Mustard Seed, and The Leaven. We saw in those two parables, a continued progression of bad mingled in with the good seed of God. We covered quite a bit so, if you didn't get a chance to read that, you might want to go back to last week. These mysteries, Jesus spoke in parables to the large crowds who had gathered to hear Him teach.
This week, we are going to open up the last four parables listed in Matthew Chapter 13. These parables were spoken later that day to His disciples in private. The 5th and 6th parables, we will cover today. Like the Mustard Seed and Leaven, the parables we will look at today are too often misinterpreted. When this happens, it completely misses the "prophetic layer" of the context in this chapter.
So far, we have observed a link between the first four parables in Matthew 13 and the first four letters to the churches in Revelation, Chapter 2. You will see the same prophetic progression continue in these parables. It really is amazing when you look at Matthew Chapter 13 as a whole and not as individual parables only. It truly and accurately depicts seven phases of the church age. Again, these studies are just barely skimming below the surface; but for sake of time and space I just want to point out this prophetic progression so in the weeks to come, when we begin to examine the church today, you will know how we (the church) got to our current position. After all, how can one repair the damage caused by past mistakes, without looking at the progression of events which led to the current point? That is precisely what this prophetic picture of the church ages provides for us!
Hidden Treasure
" Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." (Mt. 13:44).
The common misinterpretation applied to the above verse goes as follows: Jesus is depicted as the "hidden treasure" and the man who goes and "sells all that he has and buys that field" is described as we who are true seekers of Christ. Problem is; this interpretation is completely opposite from the true meaning. Again, there is no problem theologically with believing Christ is a hidden treasure which we should sacrifice all to gain. However, it ignores the context of this entire chapter of Scripture which we have well established as the progression of the church through various phases of church history.
Let's interpret this parable by using the information Jesus Himself provided as He explained the Parable of The Sower and The Parable of The Wheat and Tares. He told us the kingdom of heaven would be established on earth by sowing seed. As this seed is sown, the enemy immediately attempts to destroy what God has planted. We know He told His disciples the "field" is the world (Mt. 13:38). So, if we follow this erroneous interpretation, we must believe Jesus hides Himself in the world and seekers must sell all they have to search Him out. This may sound all holy and religious, but it is missing the point.
Let us look at this parable from an opposite point of view! We have already discovered a "remnant" of true disciples throughout our studies thus far. This is precisely what this parable is telling us too! The hidden treasure here is you and me! His true disciples are hidden among the tares. The true disciples are hidden in the much larger, worldly, professing church! Remember, the pattern has been the bad (worldly church) mixed with the good (remnant of true disciples). Likewise, it makes more sense to view Jesus Christ as the One who so graciously "sells all that he has and buys that field." (Mt. 13:44).
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself a became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Phil. 2:7, 8).
It was by way of His death on the cross, that He bought us with His own precious blood! "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Cor. 6:20).
In that "He sells all He has and buys that field" is not to say He bought the world with His precious, sinless blood; but rather He died once for all, yet the benefit must be initiated and sustained by faith! (Rom. 6:10) - (I Pet. 3:18).
"And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." (I Jn. 2:2).
See also: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men..." (Titus 2:11).
But it is not the world Jesus died for; it is for those who choose to lay their lives down for Him...the remnant of true disciples, bond servants, friends and son's; this is the "treasure hidden in the field." This is the remnant He always preserves from generation to generation, to carry out His plans and purposes on this earth. So, even though His blood has been shed and is sufficient for the sins of the whole world; many will die in their sins because they never truly trusted Him for salvation. Only those who have been born again, from above (Jn. 3:3) get to enjoy the power of His precious, sin-cleansing blood!
The Pearl of Great Price
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Mt. 13:45).
Again, as I have previously stated, this parable if often explained as follows: Jesus is the pearl of great price who is sought after by us and only gained at a great cost! According to this, we must sell all in order to gain Christ. However, in reality, Christ loves us and comes to us while we are yet, sinners! He became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21). We come as we are, we don't have to sell all we have to gain Christ. We come as we are, and He, cleans us up!
This also confirms another truth seen in these mysteries; the limitless measure He is willing to go to in order to save just one! He will leave the ninety nine to search out the one who strayed off! He is not willing that a single one perish from His hand; for we are as precious pearls to Him!
Jesus is going out of His way here to express to His disciples, the immense love He has for them; and for all who would come to believe in Him. Remember, this is in private with Him and His beloved disciples. He is preparing them for ministry after He is gone. He wants them to know how much He loves them and how He looks at His beloved church. Indeed, we are the pearl of great price, the hidden treasure, the beloved bride of Christ.
Historical View of Prophetic Church Age
Like the others we have looked at; the fifth and sixth parables are prophetically linked to the fifth and sixth letters to the churches in Rev. 2 & 3. The fifth church to be addressed is the church at Sardis. This brings us to the reformation age of church history. Here is another look at the chart to help remind you of the progression.
It was by way of His death on the cross, that He bought us with His own precious blood! "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Cor. 6:20).
In that "He sells all He has and buys that field" is not to say He bought the world with His precious, sinless blood; but rather He died once for all, yet the benefit must be initiated and sustained by faith! (Rom. 6:10) - (I Pet. 3:18).
"And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." (I Jn. 2:2).
See also: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men..." (Titus 2:11).
But it is not the world Jesus died for; it is for those who choose to lay their lives down for Him...the remnant of true disciples, bond servants, friends and son's; this is the "treasure hidden in the field." This is the remnant He always preserves from generation to generation, to carry out His plans and purposes on this earth. So, even though His blood has been shed and is sufficient for the sins of the whole world; many will die in their sins because they never truly trusted Him for salvation. Only those who have been born again, from above (Jn. 3:3) get to enjoy the power of His precious, sin-cleansing blood!
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Mt. 13:45).
Again, as I have previously stated, this parable if often explained as follows: Jesus is the pearl of great price who is sought after by us and only gained at a great cost! According to this, we must sell all in order to gain Christ. However, in reality, Christ loves us and comes to us while we are yet, sinners! He became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21). We come as we are, we don't have to sell all we have to gain Christ. We come as we are, and He, cleans us up!
This also confirms another truth seen in these mysteries; the limitless measure He is willing to go to in order to save just one! He will leave the ninety nine to search out the one who strayed off! He is not willing that a single one perish from His hand; for we are as precious pearls to Him!
Jesus is going out of His way here to express to His disciples, the immense love He has for them; and for all who would come to believe in Him. Remember, this is in private with Him and His beloved disciples. He is preparing them for ministry after He is gone. He wants them to know how much He loves them and how He looks at His beloved church. Indeed, we are the pearl of great price, the hidden treasure, the beloved bride of Christ.
Historical View of Prophetic Church Age
Like the others we have looked at; the fifth and sixth parables are prophetically linked to the fifth and sixth letters to the churches in Rev. 2 & 3. The fifth church to be addressed is the church at Sardis. This brings us to the reformation age of church history. Here is another look at the chart to help remind you of the progression.
Prophetic Church Ages
Church Age Parable
Ephesus— The Apostolic Age 40-70 A.D. The Sower
Smyrna— The Age of Persecution 70-312 A.D. Wheat & Tares
Pergamum— The Worldly Church Age 313-600 A.D. Mustard Seed
Thyatira— The Dark Ages 600-1517 A.D. The Leaven
Sardis— The Reformation Age 1517-1750 A.D. Hidden Treasure
Philadelphia & Laodicea—The End Age -1750 A.D.—Present - Pearl of Great Price & Dragnet
The Reformation Age marks the emergence from the Dark Ages.
This is when God began the rebuilding of His Tabernacle. A prophetic picture of this rebuilding can be seen in the ministry of Ezra and Zerubabbel. However wonderful that rebuilding was, it was not a complete work. The Book of Haggai records this era of history. The people of Israel began to trickle back to Jerusalem little by little, once the time of captivity was ended. Zerubabbel and Ezra began to rebuild the temple which was destroyed but they never got any further than laying a slab for the foundation and erecting a make-shift altar for sacrifice. The enemy was able to bring the work to an end and the temple lay in ruins while the children of Israel began to find comfort and restoration of dwelling places and property. Notice the words of the prophet, Haggai: "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Consider your ways!' " (Hag. 1:4, 5).
Through the ministry of the prophetic Word, coming from Haggai and other prophets, the people were encouraged and able to complete the rebuilding of the Temple. However, the walls and gates of Jerusalem continued to lay in ruins until Nehemiah completed His work some time later. This ministry can be paralleled to the later revival periods of Azusa Street and other places in America shortly after the turn of the 20th century.
As awesome as that work of the Spirit was, it is still yet to be completed. It is a work that is still underway today and we are living stones in the hands of the Master Builder Himself. He is preparing His church for the final stage of rebuilding and never in history has there been a more exciting time for the church. Are you one of the modern-day Nehemiah's God is using to complete this awesome spiritual edifice called the church?
Stay tuned for our next post as we cover the last 2 parables found in this amazing passage of Scripture.
This is when God began the rebuilding of His Tabernacle. A prophetic picture of this rebuilding can be seen in the ministry of Ezra and Zerubabbel. However wonderful that rebuilding was, it was not a complete work. The Book of Haggai records this era of history. The people of Israel began to trickle back to Jerusalem little by little, once the time of captivity was ended. Zerubabbel and Ezra began to rebuild the temple which was destroyed but they never got any further than laying a slab for the foundation and erecting a make-shift altar for sacrifice. The enemy was able to bring the work to an end and the temple lay in ruins while the children of Israel began to find comfort and restoration of dwelling places and property. Notice the words of the prophet, Haggai: "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Consider your ways!' " (Hag. 1:4, 5).
Through the ministry of the prophetic Word, coming from Haggai and other prophets, the people were encouraged and able to complete the rebuilding of the Temple. However, the walls and gates of Jerusalem continued to lay in ruins until Nehemiah completed His work some time later. This ministry can be paralleled to the later revival periods of Azusa Street and other places in America shortly after the turn of the 20th century.
As awesome as that work of the Spirit was, it is still yet to be completed. It is a work that is still underway today and we are living stones in the hands of the Master Builder Himself. He is preparing His church for the final stage of rebuilding and never in history has there been a more exciting time for the church. Are you one of the modern-day Nehemiah's God is using to complete this awesome spiritual edifice called the church?
Stay tuned for our next post as we cover the last 2 parables found in this amazing passage of Scripture.
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