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"God's kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidently found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic - what a find! - and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.
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"Or, God's kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls.
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Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.
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"Or, God's kingdom is like a fishnet cast into the sea, catching all kinds of fish.
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When it is full, it is hauled onto the beach. The good fish are picked out and put in a tub; those unfit to eat are thrown away.
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That's how it will be when the curtain comes down on history. The angels will come and cull the bad fish
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and throw them in the garbage. There will be a lot of desperate complaining, but it won't do any good."
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Jesus asked, "Are you starting to get a handle on all this?" They answered, "Yes."
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He said, "Then you see how every student well-trained in God's kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it."
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When Jesus finished telling these stories, he left there,
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returned to his hometown, and gave a lecture in the meetinghouse. He made a real hit, impressing everyone. "We had no idea he was this good!" they said. "How did he get so wise, get such ability?"