Knowing The Word in Matthew 13:45-50

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. [The message is the same as the previous parable. Pearls were of great value in the ancient world. Prudent financial practice gives way to an extravagant action.]

The Parable of the Net

47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [In the Sea of Galilee, fishermen would drag a large net between two boats. Then the good fish would be separated from the bad. This parable returns to the theme of division, and like the wheat and weeds, illustrates the judgment of the “bad” after being separated by the angels. So, what is the work of angels?]