“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13: 44, 45, NIV.
Merciful God, here we are again, hungering and thirsting for the Bread of Life. Please fill us till are our needs are met in You. This is our prayer in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I have decided to keep these two parables together, as I believe that the message is one and the same. It would appear that in the first parable (45), the treasure is mentioned, but not specified. In the second parable (46), it is called by its name, pearl. We often refer to it as, “The Pearl of Great Price.” These two parables introduce a new element; they present the kingdom of heaven – not as an experience (sowing, reaping, kneading), but as an acquisition (buying). This underlines the sentiment that I mention from time to time, “whoever will.” The kingdom is there for whoever will receive it.
These two parables do even more – they represent the kingdom as something so valuable, that when you come in contact with it, you are willing to give everything you have, in exchange for it. In other words, there is nothing to rival it, because there is nothing like it! Its value is so supremely expressed, that some have even suggested that it represents Jesus Christ. From that understanding of it we get the above mentioned title: The Pearl of Great Price.
This brings us back to one of the questions asked at the beginning of our study on the parables, “What is it?” I believe before we finish our study on the kingdom of heaven, we will be able to answer that question – hopefully. For now, let us pay attention to the message in these two parables.
The man in the first parable was so overjoyed at finding this treasure that he hid it. Because of the nature of these parables I do not believe his hiding it was an act of selfishness, but rather, the fear of losing it. There is absolutely nothing like hearing the gospel story of Jesus and His love for the first time, and embracing it. Many refer to this as the “first love” experience (Revelation 2: 4). At that moment all you want is Jesus! You are willing to do whatever it takes, to make sure you do not lose Him. You are willing to give up habits, friends, customs, anything that threatens to separate you from your “Treasure – your special Pearl”
This thought coincides with Jesus’ observation that, ” ‘ “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me . . .” ‘ ” (Matthew 10: 38, 39). And I am sure that we are aware that the point Jesus is making is that anyone, or anything, that is preferred more than Him, will keep us from giving Him the worship that He deserves as God and Creator. And anything that disturbs our worship to God – will not affect God – but us. When God is given His rightful place in our lives, we learn to love ourselves and others in a healthy manner. Our love for God is the best self-esteem enhancer, loving and lovable character creator, and humble manner producer. It encourages growth!
When you find the hidden treasure, the Pearl of Great Price – buy it, “and sell it not” (Proverbs 23: 23) !