Week 03: 3. Write answers to the following questions:

o       Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46), what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

In high school, I had to make many sacrifices for my beliefs in the church. When all of my friends were wearing tank tops and shorts when it was hot outside, I had to stay modest and I felt more comfortable at school. I remember on prom night, I was the only one who had sleeves on my dress and everyone complimented me on how beautiful dress was. Even strangers that were working at the building we were at complimented me. I remember feeling so good about myself and that people recognized my modesty. I have had to sacrifice some friends as well. When their standards weren't meeting mine, I would quit hanging out with them outside of school. 

o       What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47). What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See Matthew 13:48-50).

The net can represent missionary work when missionaries are out in the field bringing the gospel to others. They are gathering people unto Christ's words. The gathering the good and casting out the bad could also represent baptism. When someone is baptized, all of their previous sins are washed away. That is casting out the bad and wiping the slate clean.