Parable of Jesus "TREASURE"
Jesus and the Parables • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Today we start the series called Jesus and the Parables
Jesus’ parables are among the best known and most influential stories in the world.
Even if people know nothing of Jesus,
they either know about his stories
or have encountered their impact in expressions in some way.
I do not know anyone that is either a Christian or a non-Christian that does not know the meaning of expressions like like “prodigal” or “good Samaritan.” (Snodgrass 1)
Even the term “talent” referring to someone’s ability was derived from Jesus’ parable of the talents. (Snodgrass 528)
Jesus was a master story teller as crowds would gather and listen to him tell stories that engaged the hearts of the people.
In Jesus’ stories he would expose the attitudes of the pious
and would give hope to those who knew they were lost.
Those who thought they were religious often left angry at Jesus’ stories because His stories would condemn their corrupt hearts.
But for those who knew they were sinners left with the hope,
knowing that there was room in the God’s Kingdom for even the worst of sinners.
I can picture Jesus’ listeners some 2,000 years ago being so immersed in the stories as He would teach them about the Kingdom of Heaven.
How many would agree that there is nothing as attractive or compelling as a good story? (Know the characters)
Andy Griffith Gilligan Island
Emotional level
Stories shape us more then we realize.
Stories have always shaped society,
either negatively or positively.
Today’s stories on TV or in books will give some set of values and morals that these characters live by.
and what can happen is what is acceptable in these stories because acceptable in the homes.
The message of the writers in good stories connect with us in a deep and impactful way.
It is important to know that there is always a reason for the story...
Klyne Snodgrass states,
“The teller has an agenda, an intent, and thinks the story is important, or the story would never be told.” (page 2)
There is more to the story then often meets the eye as the storyteller will weave his or her beliefs into the plot line of their story.
And because of this,
our worldview is often times being effective without us even knowing it.
Philosopher Derrick Jensen stated,
“The stories we are told shape the way we see the world, which shapes the way we experience the world.”
When I was working on this sermon I was thinking back at the things that shaped me to be the person I am today.
I believe what has had one of the biggest impacts on who I am today where the stories from my childhood.
It was either stories my parents told me or the stories I read, watched, or listened too shaped who I am today...
Growing up...
Adventures in Odyssey, Gospel Bill, Frank Peretti,
Bible (Never Sanitize)
Allan Moseley writes,
God inspired stories throughout the Bible to reveal himself and his truth. Stories account for at least 30 to 40 percent of the Old Testament. God has ordained that one way we will get to know him is by means of stories.
Think of it this way…
Kids never ask can you tell me some facts… CAMPFIRE…
Kids always ask can you tell me a story? MY DAD AND MOM’S STORIES
There is something that God created in us that yearn for good stories.
If it is a true story or a fictional story there is always something to learn from the story.
In this series we are going to unpack the stories Jesus told.
Jesus told us these parables to teach us about the realities of the Kingdom of Heaven.
10 His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?”
11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. 13 That is why I use these parables,
For they look, but they don’t really see.
They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.
14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says,
‘When you hear what I say,
you will not understand.
When you see what I do,
you will not comprehend.
15 For the hearts of these people are hardened,
and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—
so their eyes cannot see,
and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and let me heal them.’
16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.
How we respond to Jesus’ stories is important.
Because simply hearing Jesus’ message of the Kingdom is not enough.
So through this series I want to challenge you with a very serious question...
Will you embraced Jesus’ message of the Kingdom of God?
or will you close our eyes, plug your ears and harden your hearts to Jesus’ message of the Kingdom of God?
The first parable we are going to unpack from Jesus is found in Matthew 13:44-46.
My sermon is titled “Treasure”
We are going to read both the parable of “The Hidden Treasure” and “The Pearl of Great Value”
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Jesus gives us two stories that convey the same message.
The message is this...
“The Kingdom of Heaven has such great value that it is worth giving up everything for it”
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
How many here know that humans are value driven?
We live what we believe.
Sam tithe Same Family
Tyler children Robin prayer
not buying what your selling
Important to know that...
Value’s trigger a response in our actions. (2x)
Whatever you value is going to lead your heart.
Jesus said “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
In Mark 10
Rich Young Man (Eternal Life)
Jesus response by saying
19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
The young man valued his earthly treasure over treasure in heaven.
The young man response demonstrates Jesus’ words ““For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
The young man’s heart was with his possessions rather then with Jesus.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
When we have something we value in front of us we are willing to endure many challenges and hardships.
Sacrifices
Professional Athletes Dreams.
Musicians
Business owners
Treasure before them was worth it...
Think of movies like Indian Jones, National Treasure, Pirates of the Caribbean
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
One one’s heart is fixed on something they are energized to do whatever it takes to find the treasure.
In these parable’s both men are willing to sacrifice all that they have ever known to get the treasure that is before them.
It is important to recognize the attitude behind the action.
Jesus said “in his joy he goes and sells all that he has” V44
Joy not sadness
What is lies ahead is better then what lies behind
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
It’s with joy that we go on this journey knowing the great value that is before us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
There is an important distinction
(religion vs relationship) Pharisee’s
Jesus Not a burden
Relationships drive us to do crazy things...
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
I want to read the parables one more time and show you an interesting difference between the two. (same response)
Matthew 13:44–46 (ESV)
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Notice the man in the field stumbles upon the treasure
Merchant is in Search of fine pearls
here today some found some where searching
1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.
Usually interpret it as apologetic defense (facts and date
I propose tell your story, tell your testimony
Tell the treasure you found in Jesus