44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. 46 When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
Jesus uses these two parables to show us the value of His kingdom. In both of these parables men are searching for and find treasures, but the unspoken question is: “What will we do when we find that one priceless Treasure?”
The first man found a treasure in someone else’s field. He was persistently searching beneath the rocky soil when he found a treasure. He immediately rehid it and ran joyfully to sell all he had to buy the field and claim his treasure.
The merchant was on a quest to find one thing—fine pearls. He knew what he was looking for and stayed focused. As he searched he found the most exquisite pearl, the one he had been looking for! He left, sold all he had, and returned to buy the pearl.
Through these parables Jesus is telling us that His kingdom is worth everything we are and all we have. The two men in these stories recognized the value of what they found, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary keep their treasures.
Jesus tells us that these parables give us a picture of the value of the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom where Jesus is Lord and Savior. The two men in the parables did not even think twice but immediately sold everything to have their treasures. The question we must ask ourselves is this: “Is Jesus worth everything I am and all that I have?”
We are given another example in Matthew 19:16. Jesus told the rich young ruler that what he needed to do to enter the kingdom was to sell all he had to receive the Treasure. He refused and left sorrowfully.
The choice is also ours. We know salvation cannot be bought. It is a gift that cost Jesus everything. But when our eyes are spiritually opened and we see Jesus, transformation happens. We have a new Treasure, and He is worth it all. In fact, we realize that all we have belongs to Him already!
Wherever our treasure is, that is where our heart is also. (Matthew 6:21)
A young man who gave it all once said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot realized the truth of finding the Treasure and giving up everything for Him.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Before you make major decisions, Jesus tells you to count the cost. Spend time in prayer, read portions of Scripture in context, and seek the counsel of godly believers. He who seeks will find.
- Building on Part 1 of the parables, we need to realize the kingdom of heaven is not somewhere off in the sky, but rather is here and now. So we must carry this treasure to others. Remember, everyone is searching for purpose and meaning. You carry the answer, and His name is Jesus.