THE PARABLES OF THE HIDDEN TREASURE AND THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

Matthew 13:44-46 44The 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. 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

1. THESE PARABLES ARE ABOUT THE RICHES OF GOD’S KINGDOM.

Components of the Kingdom were established by God in the Garden.

• God as King, Adam and Eve as God’s creation in relationship with Him and under His rule, and the sphere where this relationship took place was the Garden. No sin existed, but then the Fall happened.
• Kingdom principles exist from Genesis to Revelation.
• In Matthew 4, Jesus announced the Kingdom is at hand. The Church age begins at the Cross.
• The Kingdom is consummated when Christ returns.

The riches of God’s Kingdom are all attributes of God. They are internal, relational, heart-level treasures.

• Full of love, grace, and compassion
• Pure relationships—no tension or strife
• No sin or pain
• Order and peace—not chaotic

•  Generosity instead of selfishness
• Forgiveness instead of condemnation
• Redemption instead of eternal separation

2. THESE PARABLES ARE ABOUT THE IMMENSE VALUE OF SALVATION AND OUR LIVES IN CHRIST.

• The “treasure/pearl” represent the Kingdom; more specifically, our standing in the Kingdom through God’s salvation offered to us.
• The currency of the Kingdom is not our earthly treasures but faith in Christ alone.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Peter 1:18–19 18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

SO, WHAT IS OF HIGH VALUE TO YOU?

•  What things can become your “treasure” and the “pearl” to rearrange everything for?
  •  jobs, marriage, family, money, your house, or?
•  While each of these things are important, when they become the most important thing, they either keep us from receiving salvation or from living an obedient and surrendered life in Christ. Earthly treasures can make things very complicated.

IN OUR TWO PARABLES:

• The treasure/pearl is the Kingdom of Heaven.
• The treasure/pearl was available to both men—poor or wealthy.
• Both discovered the treasure/pearl was of great value and exchanged what they valued for something more valuable.
• With joy, they sold everything they had to obtain it. Joy comes from grasping the true value of the Kingdom.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:33 but seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.

WHETHER WE HAVE LITTLE OR MUCH, THE TREASURES OF THIS WORLD PALE IN COMPARISON TO THE GREATNESS OF THE GIFT OF SALVATION!

3. THESE PARABLES ARE ABOUT THE COST OF FOLLOWING CHRIST.

What will you exchange for something of far greater value?

• Jesus isn’t saying we have to literally sell everything we have been given. He is saying that nothing we possess should get in the way of His offer of salvation and entry into His Kingdom. (Exodus 20:3-6)
• The emphasis is on the immense value of the treasure and demonstrates that the pursuit of that treasure takes precedence over all other pursuits!
• In both cases, the men were deliberate, counting the cost and choosing to get the treasure. This is more than just emotion.
• We can experience great joy and freedom when we truly get this.

Two biblical examples emphasize things of importance that can get in the way—our kids and wealth:

• • Genesis 22:12 Abraham and Isaac: Heart obedience issue; Abraham had to put God above Isaac. Then God blessed him by giving Isaac back, unscathed.
  • Luke 18: 18-23 The rich young ruler: Also a heart issue; wealth got in the way.

PAUL UNDERSTOOD COUNTING THE COST.

Philippians 3:8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

• •  Paul was an influential Pharisee, a “Pharisee of Pharisees.”
  •  He gave up his power, notoriety, influence, and wealth to follow Christ.
  •  Paul gave up all and considered them garbage compared to knowing Christ.

APPLICATION:

1. If you have not put your trust in Jesus, what are you trusting in that is eternal?
2. What are you holding onto or holding out for (of a temporary nature) that keeps you from receiving the eternal treasure God offers?
3. What does counting the cost look like for you?
4. Has your view of the “pearl or treasure” grown dim? Do you take it for granted?
5. Are you experiencing joy because you have exchanged your relative “junk” for God’s treasure?
6. Do you need to recommit to Christ and His mission today?

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS IN LIFE GROUP OR WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS:

Passages to consider: Matthew 13:44-46; Romans 5:8; Galatians 2:20

1. Share what insight you gained from the sermon.
2. Read Matthew 13:44-46. What is Jesus communicating? A) Who is He telling this parable to? Who is listening?
3. What is your understanding of the kingdom of God? A) How does that compare to what Jesus is describing?
4. How has encountering Jesus changed what you value? A) Where are you in the process of being in relationship with Jesus? (Talk with someone if you are wanting to commit to follow Jesus.)
5. Take a moment to consider your life. What is the treasure/pearl that has captured your focus and attention? (Could something be competing with Jesus and His kingdom?) A) How is that focus impacting how you arrange your life and make choices?
6. After thinking about this parable, what response are you wanting to make to Jesus? A) Share the parable Jesus told with someone this week.