The kingdom is like a mustard seed or a lump of leaven, like finding a hidden treasure or an extremely valuable pearl. It’s also like a fisherman’s net, dragged through the water, bringing in all sorts of critters. Some you eat—those go in your basket, and some you don’t—those get thrown back.

Yes, this one is a judgment story, an “everybody talkin’ ’bout heaven ain’t going there” parable. Notice that Jesus tells it to the disciples. He isn’t trying to scare people into the kingdom. He’s warning people who are already in: “You have the treasure, the pearl, the seed, the leaven. You have to share, or there will be people who find themselves on the outside on Judgment Day.”

God has given you a wonderful gift, worth your life. What will you do with it? You know all the stories about ogres and dragons guarding a treasure they never really enjoy? Don’t be like that. Be open-handed with what God has given you; that will bring you joy, and bring them life.

By Richard Vinson from D365