Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 13:44-52

"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls: and having found one pearl of great price, he 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 filled, they drew up on the beach; and they sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but the bad they cast away. So shall it be in the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the righteous, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea. And he said unto them, Therefore every scribe who hath been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old." — Matthew 13:44-52 (ASV)

Here are four parables.

1. That of the treasure hidden in the field. Many disregard the gospel because they look only at the surface of the field. But all who search the Scriptures, so as to find Christ and eternal life in them (John 5:39), will discover such treasure in this field that makes it unspeakably valuable; they make it their own on any terms. Though nothing can be given as a price for this salvation, yet much must be given up for its sake.

2. All people are busy; one desires to be rich, another to be honourable, another to be learned; but most are deceived and accept counterfeits for pearls. Jesus Christ is a Pearl of great price; in having Him, we have enough to make us happy here and forever. A man may buy gold too dear, but not this Pearl of great price. When the convinced sinner sees Christ as the gracious Saviour, everything else becomes worthless in his thoughts.

3. The world is a vast sea, and people, in their natural state, are like fish. Preaching the gospel is casting a net into this sea, to catch something out of it, for His glory who has the sovereignty of this sea. Hypocrites and true Christians will be separated: miserable is the condition of those who will then be cast away.

4. A skilful, faithful minister of the gospel is a scribe, well versed in the things of the gospel and able to teach them. Christ compares him to a good householder, who brings out fruits of last year's growth and this year's gathering—abundance and variety—to entertain his friends.

Old experiences and new observations all have their use. Our place is at Christ's feet, and we must daily learn old lessons over again, and new ones also.