Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Costly Pearl

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:44-46, NKJV).

These two parables teach that nothing is as valuable as finding the kingdom of God.Jesus, wanting His disciples to understand that fully, gave two comparisons of the kingdom. One was a man, who not seeking a treasure, nevertheless found one in a field. He hid it, then went to sell all else he had so that he could come again and purchase the field with the hidden treasure. It meant everything to him. The merchant was already seeking valuable pearls. When he found one in value above all the others, he sold all of his merchandise so he could buy the pearl of great price.

To find Christ, the key to the Kingdom of Heaven, is the greatest treasure, the only treasure. It is not enough to be outwardly Christian or under Christian influences. The Christian must know that his relationship to the Lord is the most important thing in his life. He must know Christ as personal Savior and Lord. Christ demonstrated in the parables of the hidden treasure and the costly pearl that all else paled in pursuit of the kingdom. The joy of selling all for the kingdom of God is incomparable. There is no greater joy than to hold one’s personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ as of ultimate value, above all that one owns. In the parable of the treasure hidden in the field, it is like one who has been aware of the outward form of Christianity, but suddenly discovers its power and truth. His pursuit of this treasure takes all precedence in his life. The parable of the search for the costliest pearl represents one who, all his life, has sought truth. Then, suddenly finding it, to take hold of it is his highest aim.

Remember the story of Justin the martyr from early church history? He explored multiple philosophies that did not satisfy his deep religious longings. He embraced Jesus Christ and found rest for his soul.

Today is the ninth anniversary of the catastrophe of the terrorist bombing of the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the thwarted attempt on the capitol that landed the fourth plane in a field in Pennsylvania. That terrible day stands in memory as a day of great sorrow and infamy for America. But for the terrorists, their lives meant nothing to them in pursuit of their dedication to a cause. Christ calls us to complete commitment to Him, but in avenues of love and service. He is our Treasure and our Pearl of Great Price for which we give up all to know and to follow Him. We will definitely experience this commitment. Nothing in life after that will be the same.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Saturday, September 11, 2010