This morning we find ourselves with two more very short parables, the hidden treasure and the valuable pearl. In these two parables we see a picture of Gospel Gain. Remember we have talked about Gospel Judgment, and Gospel Growth already. So, what are these two short parables teaching us today, and what exactly is Gospel Gain. Well we will answer both of these as we dive into the text.

Matthew 13:44 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.

Matthew 13:45–46 ESV

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.

Now we see a similar theme with both of these parables. There is something of great value that these two men find. Now lets be clear these verse do not teach us that Christ wants us be rich, or that fine jewelry makes us holy. The key that unlocks both of these is the worth of what has been found. One man stumbled upon it and one man was searching for it.

Matthew 13:44 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.

Here we see Jesus start out in the same manner as the other parables we have looked at “the kingdom of heaven is like” and then the comparison starts. We see a man, someone who is not out searching for treasure, but still stumbles onto it. Jesus is using these two different people to show a representation of those whom He was teaching. Some have stumbled onto the Gospel, but the key is that they recognize its value. We are called to a lifetime of discipleship, and as Jesus teaches us in Luke 14:25-33 we must count the cost. This man realized the value of the treasure (the kingdom) and sold all that he had. He counted the cost, but he realized the benefit (Gospel Gain) far out weighed the cost. Is not a saving relationship with our Lord far more valuable than anything this world has to offer. He has counted the risk (temporary) is out weighed by the gain (eternal)

Matthew 13:45–46 ESV

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.

It is estimated that for every 10,000 oysters harvested, only one will contain a high-quality pearl. The pictured necklace sold for 1.6 million dollars in 1999. In this parable we see the man is “searching for fine pearls”. He is actively looking for what the other man had stumbled upon. And he is rewarded for his search with a pearl of great value. We see again the kingdom of heaven is of great value. A true saving relationship with Christ is like finding a priceless pearl. The pain is worth the gain. Read Philippians 3:8

Philippians 3:8 ESV

8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

Matthew 13:46 ESV

46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Everything good in our lives takes sacrifice -our heath- our finances- our relationships- our faith is no different, other than what we gain is far greater. We give up the temporary for the eternal. This man sold all he had to purchase this one pearl. We must give up some things to gain eternity. We must sacrifice to grow our relationship with Christ.

Kingdom Focused IV

Salvation is hidden from some, they are blinded by their constant rejection of the Gospel. They have a hardened heart and cannot see the truth of God’s Word. But for those who’s eyes and ears have been opened by God they are willing to sacrifice everything to hold onto what has been given them through Christ. God offered His only Son for our sins, and Christ willingly took on your sin, and suffered and died for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21. Are you actively seeking the kingdom, have you offered your body as a living sacrifice, pleasing and acceptable to God, or are you blinded, hardened against the truth. Are you actively focusing on the kingdom, and what God has called you to do. Is there something in this world that you value more than Christ.

Today we are observing the Lord’s supper, we do this our of obedience to our Lord. It is something we should take very seriously, and something that we should only take part in if we have given our heart to Christ. We should also make sure our heart is in the right place, that we are not holding onto any sin, or harboring any malice towards a brother or sister. There is nothing wrong with letting the cup pass, there is no judgment. So, this morning we will take a few minutes to prepare our hearts before we partake.