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Matthew 13:18-52 is a series of parables Christ used to reveal the kingdom of heaven just after He explained that He used parables to hide truth in plain view – so that those who do not have ‘ears to hear’ or ‘eyes to see’ will not understand.

The parables of the field and the pearl of great price and the net follow the parable of the sower and the parable of the tares. But I would like to bring your attention to our Lord’s “postscript” and repeat those smaller parables here:

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure 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.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe [which is] instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure [things] new and old.

This is how I am seeing all of you – hosepipe, .30Carbine, seven-O – each of you are like that scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven and is bringing forth treasures both new and old.

IOW, the parables are spiritual per se and speak to us (as hosepipe suggests) beyond the ability of language to fully translate. And so we may describe what we see a bit differently and still each be looking at the same Light - and the insights from our brothers and sisters adds to our treasure in Him.

So thank you all for your insights and your testimonies (especially you, dear .30Carbine)!

To God be the glory!

[.. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. ..]

WoW... Ah! the net.. What I see right now are denominations(nets,the net).. even those that say they are no denomination.. "By catch" or fish caught in the net along with the fish fished for is a term fishermen use.. Those fish are thrown overboard.. to the seagulls.. Significant, to me, right now..

The Holy Spirit is living and functioning.. real time..