The Gospel is Worth It

The Cost of Discipleship Interpretation

The Hidden Treasure: Man = Disciple

We like our father Jacob, shall be willing to set aside everything in exchange for God’s blessing.

The Pearl: Merchant = Disciple

In the same vein we must sell everything for the sake of acquiring the Gospel.

At the cost of the Gospel & despair of the believer

What could we ever offer in exchange for salvation? The sermon on the mount Jesus teaches us to cut of our treasured possessions so as not to be sent to hell. He doesn’t mention a possible trade for those parts.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

In other words, their is NOTHING we could offer that would suggest an equitable purchase. The only option here is to suggest the trick of the parable is that the disciple has no choice but to hide the treasure again. He must resort to underhanded measures as he accepts his own inability.

The perlocutionary force of the parable would then be Jesus teaching the disciples their unworthiness before the reign of God.

This interpretation, while possible for the hidden treasure parable, is ineffective in view of the following Parable of the Pearl

The Cost of Redemption Interpretation

What if Jesus was the actor?

The Parable of the Seeds: Sower = Jesus

Jesus shares the Gospel even to those who wont receive it.

The Parable of the Weeds: Master of the House = Jesus

Jesus plants believers in the midst of unrighteous world and at the end it will be separated (purified)

The Mustard Seed: The man who sows the mustard seed = Jesus

Jesus starts the church in small obscurity and it grows past expectations and possibilities.

The Leaven: The woman = Jesus

Jesus hides the believers in the world w/ the gospel and it spreads throughout the world.

The Hidden Treasure: Man = Jesus

Jesus gives all He has to purchase the field in which the treasure is hidden, just to get that treasure.

The Pearl: Merchant = Jesus

Jesus will find the Elect no matter the challenge or cost.

Take up Your Cross and Follow Me

English Standard Version Chapter 10

38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

English Standard Version Chapter 16

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Follow my example of Joyful sacrificial loving