S4E4: The Parables of the Net, the Hidden Treasure, and the Pearl

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In this episode we discuss the parables of the net, the hidden treasure, and the pearl from Matthew 13. These three parables maintain the same Jewish apocalyptic eschatological context highlighted in the explanation of the parable of the weeds (Matthew 13:36-43). The parable of the net reinforces the context of an eschatological judgment, with the righteous inheriting eternal life and the wicked, eternal destruction; while the parables of the pearl and treasure portray the wisdom of the person who gives everything to inherit eternal life on the last day.

Show notes

• General observations about these particular parables – Matthew 13:44-50 (5:02)
• The parable of the net – Matthew 13:47-50; Jeremiah 16; Ezekiel 20, 29 (6:53)
• Some scholars ignore the parable of the net (9:28)
• Parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl – Matthew 13:44-46 (16:19)
• Treasure in Jewish tradition and apocalyptic literature – 2 Baruch 23:7-24:2; 4 Ezra 8:50-54 (28:41)
• “Inheritance” in the letters of the New Testament – 1 Peter 1:4; 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (33:07)
• A radical call to singularly focus on the age to come – Luke 14:33; Matthew 19; 1 Peter 1:13 (36:03)