Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
44 “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. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Reflection: Most of the parables up to this point have been Jesus teaching the disciples how the kingdom of heaven works, or the principles which initiate it's working. Usually it starts with something that starts small then grows exponentially to have a large effect. Today's parable deals with a different aspect of the kingdom, what it is like to own or inherit it. It is described as the pearl of great price, and a treasure hidden in a field. Notice in both cases the person is described as looking for, or searching for it. We mentioned yesterday that one of the reasons Jesus spoke in parables is that those who were seeking would mine for and find the spiritual truth in the earthly analogy and discover the secret of the kingdom of heaven.
So notice the kingdom is at work here on earth as it is in heaven. This was Jesus' basic mission to show that the kingdom was at hand as He came to earth to inaugurate the kingdom coming and lay the groundwork for its fulfillment in his life, death and resurrection. Then, he directed the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, who would be the means of Jesus' life in and through the disciples and the Church going forward. Then one day when Jesus returns, God's kingdom will be fully consummated and He will set up a new heaven and new earth. So then in what sense do we as Jesus' disciples inherit this treasure called the kingdom of heaven?
Ultimately the kingdom of God will lead to heaven and eternal life for the believer in Christ, this is the true treasure of great price. For what bigger treasure could there be than eternal life? If anybody could buy eternal life they would likely sell all they had to get it. After all could you ever put a price on it? Yet we know that at the heart of the Gospel is that Jesus gave us eternal life as he died for us, and purchased or redeemed us from our sinful nature. How often do you think about these truths? I know I don't enough! And I think if we did our lives would take on a different quality. As we believe by faith that we have inherited God's kingdom, as children of God through faith, we would live our lives expectantly waiting for His kingdom and also doing our part to each day bring in His kingdom through our lives.
For until Jesus returns God is still working through the Church to accomplish His great purpose for all of humanity in Christ! God's kingdom will surely come the only question is will it come through you and me today?
Jesus thank you for giving us the keys to the kingdom, make me aware of how you are working through your kingdom today to introduce more people to the pearl of great price. Amen.
44 “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. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Reflection: Most of the parables up to this point have been Jesus teaching the disciples how the kingdom of heaven works, or the principles which initiate it's working. Usually it starts with something that starts small then grows exponentially to have a large effect. Today's parable deals with a different aspect of the kingdom, what it is like to own or inherit it. It is described as the pearl of great price, and a treasure hidden in a field. Notice in both cases the person is described as looking for, or searching for it. We mentioned yesterday that one of the reasons Jesus spoke in parables is that those who were seeking would mine for and find the spiritual truth in the earthly analogy and discover the secret of the kingdom of heaven.
So notice the kingdom is at work here on earth as it is in heaven. This was Jesus' basic mission to show that the kingdom was at hand as He came to earth to inaugurate the kingdom coming and lay the groundwork for its fulfillment in his life, death and resurrection. Then, he directed the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, who would be the means of Jesus' life in and through the disciples and the Church going forward. Then one day when Jesus returns, God's kingdom will be fully consummated and He will set up a new heaven and new earth. So then in what sense do we as Jesus' disciples inherit this treasure called the kingdom of heaven?
Ultimately the kingdom of God will lead to heaven and eternal life for the believer in Christ, this is the true treasure of great price. For what bigger treasure could there be than eternal life? If anybody could buy eternal life they would likely sell all they had to get it. After all could you ever put a price on it? Yet we know that at the heart of the Gospel is that Jesus gave us eternal life as he died for us, and purchased or redeemed us from our sinful nature. How often do you think about these truths? I know I don't enough! And I think if we did our lives would take on a different quality. As we believe by faith that we have inherited God's kingdom, as children of God through faith, we would live our lives expectantly waiting for His kingdom and also doing our part to each day bring in His kingdom through our lives.
For until Jesus returns God is still working through the Church to accomplish His great purpose for all of humanity in Christ! God's kingdom will surely come the only question is will it come through you and me today?
Jesus thank you for giving us the keys to the kingdom, make me aware of how you are working through your kingdom today to introduce more people to the pearl of great price. Amen.
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