Give It All for The Kingdom

Give It All for the Kingdom (Sermon #5) Series: What He Said: The Parables of Jesus Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46

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.

Introduction

Attention-Getter: Imagine discovering something so valuable that you’d give up everything to possess it. Perhaps it’s a rare family heirloom, a priceless work of art, or even a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could change everything. What would it take for you to consider giving up everything you own to obtain that one thing?

Today, we’re looking at two brief but profound parables—the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl. Through these parables, Jesus shows us the incredible worth of God’s kingdom and the joy that comes when we give our all for it.

Transition: Jesus begins by telling us about a man who stumbles upon a hidden treasure and immediately recognizes its value. Through this parable, Jesus invites us to see the kingdom as something worth everything we have. How is that? We must . . .

See the Treasure God Offers (v.44)

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.

Historical and Cultural Context: In the first century, it was common for people to bury their most valuable possessions in fields for safekeeping. Palestine was a land that had seen countless wars, invasions, and political upheavals. Without banks, people would hide their treasures underground, hoping to recover them later. Sometimes the owner would die or be displaced, leaving the treasure buried and forgotten. This explains why the man in the parable could stumble upon a treasure while working or traveling through a field.

The Mosaic Law in Israel (Exodus 23:4; Deuteronomy 22:1-3) placed great emphasis on ownership and stewardship, which is why the man takes the ethical step of purchasing the field rather than simply taking the treasure. This detail underscores the deliberate and sacrificial nature of his decision. He joyfully sells everything he owns—not reluctantly, but with great excitement—because he knows the treasure is worth the cost.

Illustration: In the 1800s, gold was discovered in California, leading thousands to rush westward in search of fortune. People sold their homes and left everything behind, driven by the prospect of unimaginable wealth. This historical fervor mirrors our spiritual journey: when we truly see the treasure God offers—His unconditional love and promise of eternal life—we become willing to forsake everything to pursue it passionately.

Optional Run: Christ gave it all for you, so what will you give for Him? Will you give Him your time? Will you give Him your talents? Will you give Him your treasure? You can’t hold back! Don’t give Him just a piece of your heart—give Him your whole heart! Don’t give Him your leftover time—give Him your best! Don’t give Him half your life—give Him everything! Because when you put it all in His hands, He’ll give you more than you could ever imagine—peace that surpasses understanding, joy unspeakable, and life everlasting!

Application: Jesus invites us to recognize the kingdom of God as our ultimate treasure. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuits of this world—wealth, status, and comfort—but Jesus calls us to see His kingdom as something infinitely more valuable. Like the man in the field, we are called to open our eyes and truly see the incomparable worth of God’s kingdom.

Transition: Jesus immediately follows with the story of a merchant searching for pearls, emphasizing that the kingdom is worth pursuing with our whole hearts. In other words . . .

Give Your All to Gain the Treasure God Offers (vv.45-46)

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.

Historical and Cultural Context: Pearls were among the most valuable commodities in the ancient world. Unlike today, when pearls can be cultured, natural pearls were incredibly rare and difficult to find. Divers often risked their lives to retrieve pearls from the depths of the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, or Indian Ocean. Because of this, pearls became a symbol of wealth, beauty, and status, often more valuable than gold. Merchants dedicated their lives to traveling great distances, inspecting countless pearls, and negotiating prices to find the perfect one.

Optional Run: I hear you asking, “What does it mean to give it all to Christ?” It means giving Him your trust when the world says, “Be afraid.” It means giving Him your plans when life doesn’t go the way you expected. It means giving Him your pain and letting Him turn it into purpose. It means saying, “Lord, I surrender! I’m yours, completely yours!” And when you give it all to Him, you’ll find out that what you lost was nothing compared to what you’ve gained in Jesus!

When we sell out for God’s purpose, we gain treasures beyond measure.

Application: Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of God is worth our active pursuit. It’s not something we should approach casually; it’s something that deserves our full commitment. The merchant sold everything to gain the pearl. Likewise, we must be willing to surrender all—our time, talents, and treasures—to fully embrace God’s kingdom.

Transition: Both parables highlight the cost involved—each person sold everything to gain their treasure. But here’s the key: They didn’t do it begrudgingly. They did it joyfully! Here is the final principle today . . .

Celebrate the Joy of Full Commitment (v.44b)

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.

Historical and Cultural Context: In ancient Jewish culture, material possessions were closely tied to one’s identity and social status. To give up everything would have been seen as a radical, even foolish, decision by most people. Yet, the parables reveal that the man and the merchant were not motivated by obligation but by joy. Their willingness to sacrifice everything stemmed from their understanding of the incomparable worth of what they were gaining.

Optional Run: Church, hear me today! Don’t be like the rich young ruler who walked away from Jesus because he couldn’t let go of his wealth. Don’t be like those who cling to the temporary and miss out on the eternal. Give it all! Give Him your struggles—He’ll carry them. Give Him your questions—He’ll answer them. Give Him your life—and He’ll transform it! Because when you give it all to Christ, you’ll find that He gave it all for you on that old rugged cross!

Illustration: In the early days of Christianity, many believers faced persecution for their faith. One remarkable story is of a young girl named Perpetua, who made the ultimate commitment to her faith. She chose to stand firm in her beliefs, even in the face of death. Her story has inspired countless generations to celebrate the joy of full commitment, showing that true joy often comes when we place our entire trust in God, regardless of the circumstances.

Application: Jesus calls us to embrace a similar joy in sacrificing for His kingdom. When we truly understand the value of God’s kingdom, we find that giving up our comfort or ambitions becomes a source of joy rather than sorrow. The kingdom brings a peace and fulfillment that far outweighs anything we leave behind.

Transition: In these parables, Jesus shows us that the kingdom is the ultimate treasure and the greatest reward. Are we ready to give it all for the kingdom?

Conclusion and Hoop Close

The kingdom of God isn’t just something to talk about; it’s something to live for! The man sold everything he had. The merchant gave up everything for that pearl.

And let me remind you, our Savior, Jesus Christ, gave up everything for us! He left the glories of heaven, wrapped Himself in flesh, walked among us, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and raised the dead. But He didn’t stop there!

One Friday, He went to a hill called Calvary. He stretched out His arms, hung His head, and He died! He paid the ultimate price so that we could gain the greatest treasure! But that’s not the end of the story. Because early Sunday morning—can you say early?—He got up with all power in His hands! And because He lives, we can have this treasure, this kingdom, this life eternal!

Somebody needs to let it go! That pride you’ve been holding onto—let it go! That grudge you’ve been nursing—give it to Jesus! That relationship that’s keeping you from your purpose—turn it over to the Lord! The treasure of His kingdom is worth far more than the fleeting things of this world. Lay down your burdens! Lay down your fears! Lay down your doubts! Because when you give it all to Him, He will exchange your ashes for beauty, your sorrow for joy, and your brokenness for healing. Can I get a witness?

Now I’ve got a question for you: What are you willing to give up for a treasure like this? What are you holding on to that’s keeping you from the joy of the kingdom? Lay it down at His feet. Give it all to the One who gave His all for you. Because, when it’s all said and done, only what you do for Christ will last!

Can I get a witness? Somebody shout, “Hallelujah!” Somebody say, “Thank you, Jesus!” Church, let’s go forth this week knowing that the kingdom is worth every sacrifice—because we’ve got the treasure of treasures, and His name is JESUS! Amen and Amen!