A VALUABLE TREASURE AND PEARL

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Matthew 13:44-46

This is one of the most fascinating observations about how people actually receive the message of the Kingdom. Jesus offers two ways:
FIRST—44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

SECOND—45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

THE FIRST IS BY SURPRISE—Here is a person, not particularly looking for it, yet finds a treasure hidden in a field. He is overjoyed with his discovery. He hides it again. Then sells all that he has to buy the land where it is!

THE SECOND IS BY SEARCHING—Here is a merchant who has been searching for fine pearls. He finds a fine pearl of great value. Then goes, sells all that he has to buy this valuable pearl!

Do you know people who are like these two? The one who by surprise discovers the Kingdom treasures—the one who never would have imagined being ‘caught dead’ sitting among a group of Jesus followers. This person, along with many onlookers, are quite surprised that he found such a valuable thing.

OR the one who by searching out truth or the meaning of life or whatever, finds himself delighted to have found a satisfaction that no one can take away, so he sold everything he had in order to buy it.

NOTE both have the same response. They each sell all they have and buy their new-found treasure! Now this has nothing to do with purchasing or performing well enough to gain a place in the Kingdom. However, it has everything to do with the comparable value of being with the King in the Kingdom rather than rocking along, living a life that is routine and predictable with all of the traditional comforts of life—all without the King and outside the realm of His Kingdom.

So, how do you value your relationship with the King and His Kingdom? Is it the most valuable, priceless, place to be, ever? Or, is it a convenient place to visit from time to time? This is the difference between being a spectator and a participant!