Matthew 13:46

New International Version (NIV)

The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

For Meditation

How far will a man go to protect the relationship with his girlfriend? My late cousin has gone to his grave with the best answer. He loved this lady so much that he gave everything for her. However, the lady was unfaithful. One day, he determined to confront her, but she was out with another man that evening. Sitting behind her window to wait for her, he slipped into a deep slumber. The young lady didn’t appreciate what she considered an invasion of her privacy and decided to end it. My cousin’s screams could be heard all along his escape route. The hot water did it, and a few scars remained as a reminder for his folly. What baffled everybody was why a man so wickedly bruised, would continue to chase that relationship. It was because the woman was priceless to him!

Jesus told two parables to reveal the priceless value of the kingdom of God (Matt. 13:44-46). The first was the man who sold everything he had to buy the hidden treasure he found in a field (44). The second was a merchant who scoured the world for fine pearls and finding “one of great value,” (45) sold everything he had and bought it (46). They both found something they couldn’t resist because nothing they had matched their value. In their expert estimation, the treasure and the pearl were worth more than everything in the world. They were priceless!

That’s the Kingdom of God. It is priceless. It is worth everything we would ever own in this world. Everything will perish with use or at death, but the kingdom of God remains. It is the everlasting reign of Jesus (Lk. 1:33; Rev. 11:15). Everything we have belongs to Him, and He asks us to give them back to Him in return for citizenship of His Kingdom (Jn. 1:12-13; Rm. 10:9-10, 13). He gives us all things, but He expects us to value our obedience to Him of more value than everything in the world (Phil. 3:7-9; 20).

1. Can you otherwise explain the rationale for the two men’s actions in the parable apart from the surpassing value  of what they found (Matt. 13:44-46)?
2. Did you notice their joy with their discovery, and the haste in their responses?
3. Did you recognize their careful evaluation and wise choice?
4. If Jesus likens the Kingdom of God to the Hidden Treasure and Fine Pearl, why haven’t you given everything up to gain entry into it?
5. What are you waiting for, if you have not done so (Heb. 2:7-8)? Why are you holding back your obedience to Jesus if you are His disciple?

I pray you find the greatest value in Jesus Christ and His offer of eternal life to all who believe in Him (Jn. 3:16).

So: May you find joy in the Gospel message and obedience to Jesus; and may you promptly respond by surrendering everything you have to Him for His kingdom sake.

Shalom