Treasure of the Gospel

Matthew 13: 44  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

What sacrifices have you or anyone you know, made for the treasure of the gospel?

       This story is more extreme than most, but it’s one I heard about a fellow student at BYUI. He is from another country, somewhere in Asia. He decided to join the LDS church because he knew it was right, but for him the earthly price was costly. In his country going against your family and becoming Christian is a literal death sentence. He is never allowed to go home again; his family wants nothing to do with him. More than that, his father says if he ever returns his mother will have to die also because of the shame they feel. He gave up everything he knew for the truth, the treasure that is Jesus Christ. TALK ABOUT SACRIFICING!

Matthew 13:47  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and  sever the wicked from among the just.

What does it mean to be gathered by the net? What about the casting away the bad?

My thoughts: When a net is tossed into the ocean, many fish swim into it. When it is brought in for the test not all of the fish will pass. We can apply this to the people of the earth hearing of the gospel and being tested in our lives. Not all of us will pass, when his children choose not obey Him they must suffer the consequences, and this leaves the Lord no choice but to push out the bad. Only through Christ can we be forgiven which leads me to the next scripture.

Jesus says in Luke 7:41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty 42: and when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most

and he (Christ) said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged 

        The woman, whom is the reason for this scripture, is seen as a sinner and not worthy to be there, Christ loves her. Most importantly she is sorry for what she has done. She washes his feet with her tears and hair. She kisses his feet and anoints them with oil. She wants to be forgiven and shows it.

Luke 7:50 and he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

        We should not judge others by what they have done, no matter how bad we think it is because if they have faith they will be forgiven. Those that are in need of much forgiveness will love Christ all the more because of how much they are being forgiven of. We should keep this in mind for those we think have made big mistakes and even for ourselves. None of us is perfect, we are all in need of forgiveness,and we should be thankful to Christ for being so kind and loving as to forgive our weaknesses.