The Parables of Hidden Treasure & Pearl of Great Value

Redemptive: Even though God is ruler and reigning over the entire universe, that’s not the way the word “kingdom” is being used here in . Instead, the kingdom of heaven is used to describe how God is asserting His authority in the redemption of sinners through Christ, the promised Messiah.

to reveal truth about the kingdom - showing God’s mercy

to conceal truth about the kingdom - showing God’s judgement

Jesus talks about the kingdom in as well. In verses 9 &10 while teaching the disciples to pray, he says:

Matthew 6:9–10 ESV

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:9-10

Jesus is telling them to pray that God would assert His redemptive rule and reign across the earth in Christ.

And later in the same chapter in verse 33 he says:

Matthew 6:33 ESV

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Jesus is telling his disciples not to worry about their basic needs, but rather to seek and submit to the redemptive rule and reign of God in every part of their life.

In the past 3 weeks, we have looked at the parables of the sower, the weeds, and the mustard seed & leaven.

This week, Jesus shifts from talking about the eventual worldwide impact of the kingdom to talking about the parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Value.

Read the entire text

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English Standard Version Chapter 13

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

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.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

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.

LET’S PRAY

Parable of the Hidden Treasure

[setting & background]

ESV7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 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

you may not have come here today searching for the kingdom of heaven, but just in case it isn’t clear, let me uncover it for you...

GOSPEL

Now, are you willing to give up your life for the new life Christ wants to give you?

Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

[setting & background]

Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Images of Christ in the Gospels

In the twin parables of the treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great price (Matt. 13:44–46) Jesus describes the surprise and joy of discovering and acquiring great treasure, implying that the saving reign of God is present to be discovered and acquired. Only one who is supremely confident that he is anointed to speak with divine authority could make such a radical announcement.

Philippians 3:7–8 ESV

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 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 6:19–21 ESV

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.

ESV29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.

Here’s what i want you to hear today:

In these 2 parables Jesus describes the surprise and joy of discovering and acquiring great treasure, implying that the saving reign of God is present to be discovered and acquired.

The kingdom of heaven is something worth losing everything for.

and because of its worth, we joyfully let go of all things in order to passionately take hold of one thing.

Some of you have been searching, but you’re looking in the wrong places.

Some of you have found it, but you haven’t yet given up what it will cost to have it.

Matthew 19:29 ESV

29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.

[rich young ruler]

Conclusion

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold I'd rather be His than have riches untold I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand