Matthew 13:44-50
Here we have three images about the kingdom of heaven. I am depending on The Bible Exposition Commentary, New Testament, Vol 1, pp. 46-47, by Warren Wiersbe, for this interpretation. It makes sense to me, and seems to be consistent with the other parables.
The first image, v. 44, is the hidden treasure which represents Israel. God placed Israel (the treasure) into the world to bring glory to Himself, but they were unfaithful and failed Him. Jesus gave everything to purchase the whole world (the field) in order to give them the opportunity to be saved. We know that Jesus died for the whole world, but in some way, Israel is a "treasure" to God. Someday she will indeed glorify God.
The second symbol is the pearl of great price (vv. 45-46). The pearl represents the church. The church today consists of all believers everywhere, including Jews and Gentiles. It is called the "body of Christ." A pearl is a unified whole which cannot be cut or carved like other gems. It can grow and become more beautiful! Actually, a pearl is the product of suffering. Jesus suffered the ultimate price on the cross to bring about the birth of the church. A pearl grows gradually over time just as the church is doing and often its work goes unnoticed as the Holy Spirit does His work drawing sinners and saving them.
Satan is a powerful foe to the church, but Jesus assured us that His forces cannot defeat or destroy His church! There is only one true church in the world, a pearl of great price, though there are many local assemblies. We should each be a part of a local church where we can worship with other believers and serve the Lord together. It is through repentance of our sins and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work that we become part of the true church--the pearl of great price.
The last symbol in this short section is the net. vv. 47-50. The preaching of the Gospel is like a huge net let out into the world. It gathers all kinds of "fish," some good and some bad. This does not refer to people's behavior (good or bad) because not one of us is good enough! Rather it refers to believers and unbelievers. Those who trust Christ are those who will be saved. This parable is much like the parable of the weeds, vv. 24-30, 36-43.
Psalm 107:17-22
This section deals with people who are suffering because of something they brought on themselves! I'm afraid we've all been there! Sometimes we are just plain foolish and rebellious, and we get ourselves into all sorts of messes! But God doesn't give up on us. Like the people in these verses we can cry to the Lord in our trouble, and He will hear us. Though we may not be delivered from the consequences of our behavior, God does offer healing and second chances. Praise the Lord!
For our meditation: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy." Psalm 107:21-22
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