By: Obed Pineda
It is no secret to the diligent student of the Bible that one of the Master’s favorite methods of teaching was the use of parables. Proof of this is found when one unearths that the inspired synoptic writers (i.e. Matthew, Mark, and Luke) have recorded approximately thirty parables that the Lord Jesus taught during His three year ministry, taking into account that there were many more that the Holy Spirit chose not to record on the sacred pages of Scripture. This simple, yet profound, method of teaching was implemented by the Master to test the hearts of those listening to Him speak (cf. Matthew 13:10-17). He was placing familiar concepts that they knew very well side-by-side with unfamiliar ones in an effort to reveal their true meaning to them. Additionally, He was inviting them to dig for the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that could be found in these treasured parables (cf. Proverbs 2:1-5, 23:23). On a certain occasion, the great Redeemer espoused a series of parables describing and explaining the spiritual nature of His Kingdom. Today, this group of parables is collectively referred to as the “Kingdom Parables” (cf. Matthew 13). It is wise to recall that during the Lord’s time on earth, the Jews were convinced that the promise of David’s throne being reestablished meant that Israel’s terrestrial kingdom would rise once again (cf. Acts 1:6). Therefore, it was imperative for our Savior to unveil to His countrymen that the promised Kingdom was never earthly, but rather heavenly; it was never material, but always spiritual. Thus, these parables reveal important traits about the Church that are still applicable today (cf. Matthew 16:13-20, 2nd Thessalonians 1:3-5). Remember that the Church are the people who have been added by God, through the obedience of the Gospel in baptism, and not an edifice where the Body of Christ gathers (cf. Acts 2:37-47, Colossians 1:13-14). It behooves us to not repeat the mistake of the Jews during the first century in giving more honor to the temple than the people of God (cf. Mark 13:1-2, John 2:13-22). Keeping this firmly in mind, it is valuable to observe the vital lesson imparted by the Lord when He established that “the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away” (Matthew 13:47-48). The Bible discloses that this particular parable was taught after “Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house” (Matthew 13:36a). This means that this particular instruction was given by Jesus Christ only to His twelve disciples. Three parables in total were taught by the Lord solely to His twelve: the Parables of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price, and of the dragnet (cf. Matthew 13:44-50). In this final parable, Jesus was reminding His disciples that there will be a day of judgment where the godly will be separated from the ungodly (cf. Matthew 13:49-50, 2nd Corinthians 5:9-11). Although it is wise to use the meaning of this particular parable for our personal reflection, it is just as sapient to learn about the value of being aware of the people we are surrounded by; especially in our modern culture. Fishing is sometimes referred to as “sea hunting,” since it has a premise of searching and capturing similar to hunting on land. It is curious that it can also be compared to those who search for buried treasure under the earth or sea. What is clear is that when it pertains to hunting (i.e. searching diligently) it involves the discovery of something of great value to those who pursue it. For fishermen, the treasure they scour the seas for is fish of the greatest quality. The Lord was very aware of this since He compared mankind to every kind of fish that can be caught in the fisherman’s dragnet. Yet, not all the fish that were drawn out of the waters were of a good quality, and therefore not worth keeping. This teaches us that there are certain relationships that are best to cut ties with due to their poor quality. Keep in mind that to the untrained eye, a fish is a fish on the surface. However, not all fish can be eaten by a human being because certain species of fish can be harmful if ingested. A seasoned angler knows the types of fish that can be eaten, but also which species have a greater quality of flavor. For this reason, he must be very careful in his selection of fish he chooses to keep. The same must be so when it comes to selecting the people one chooses to enter into fellowship with. It is true that often the thoughts to follow this are of being careful of associating oneself with wicked influences (cf. Proverbs 9:1-6, Revelation 18:1-5) but one must not ignore that in practicing wise judgment of character will lead to a great find of godly people in the world. The Son of Encouragement was perhaps one of the best treasure hunters in regards to finding men worthy of being allowed a fair chance seeing as it was he who exhorted the apostles and the brethren of Jerusalem not to readily dismiss Saul of Tarsus because of his past (cf. Acts 9:26-30). Barnabas’ keen eyes were also able to see the penitent spirit in John Mark when Paul was unable to, and thus boldly chose to take Mark with him on his journey despite Paul’s stance (cf. Acts 15:36-41). Holy Writ reveals that Barnabas had yet again found a precious jewel of a man since the same Paul who once opposed taking Mark with them later petitioned to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2nd Timothy 4:11). Even though Paul erred when it pertained to Mark, he discovered valuable men and women of the Kingdom in his travels as well such as Aquila and Priscilla who were instrumental in the instruction of the mighty Apollos (cf. Acts 18:1-3, 24-26). Paul also found Onesimus of whom he declared to his friend, Philemon, that he “once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me” (Philemon 1:11). Verily, Holy Scriptures demonstrate that the great worth of exercising wise discernment of a person’s spirit is similar to hunting for precious treasure. It is both a way of protecting oneself from wicked influences and finding spiritual, like-minded people who can help us rightfully develop our spiritual growth in Christ Jesus. In this way, the wise and prudent man must be a treasure hunter in seeking those who will aid him in his goal of reaching the eternal reward. His wisdom, however, is found in his ability to differentiate a diamond from glass.