Over the summer, as I mentioned in the previous post (which was also an introduction to the series), we are looking at the parables of the Kingdom. Jesus spoke a lot in parables, and some of them, mainly in Matthew’s gospel, start with him saying: “The Kingdom of God is like…”. These are the parables of the Kingdom.
At the beginning of each week, the parable for the following Sunday will be posted, along with an image for reflection. As we engage with the Scriptures ourselves we take our growth seriously, rather than solely expecting someone to come each week with their reflections and be spoon fed! This shouldn’t detract from what the speaker will say, but may bring clarity and stimulation. Even if you are not there on a Sunday (or aren’t part of our church) please do contribute and participate.
This Sunday we are looking at 2 very short parables, in Mt 13: 44-46 - the parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl. The text appears below together with a picture for reflection (which you can click to enlarge). It would be great if you can add your thoughts or observations in the comments, to create an opportunity for learning together …
The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
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.
Again, 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.
Questions for reflection:
As you reflect on the parable and attempt to honestly evaluate yourself, you may like to consider the following questions:
The merchant sold everything. How important is the Kingdom to you? What things do you keep hold of?
How would describe your attitude in letting go of other attractions to take hold of the Kingdom? Joyful? Grudgingly? Hopefully? Fearfully? What does this tell you about your view of the Kingdom?
Tags: Kingdom, Kingdom of God, Parables, Parables of the Kingdom, Preaching, Church
Great question! When I feel out of control I tend to hold on to things and when I feel God’s trust it is then when I can let things go.
I’m not always in bondage, but when I allow myself to be, all my treasures on earth mean everything to me and I find it hard to get rid of them. It’s very annoying.
Also, I tend to keep hold of my non-Christian friends and allow them to influence me to accumilate even more stuff which can sometimes cause me to forget the greater Kingdom that’s here for me.
Sometimes I feel like getting rid of them from my life, but I don’t think that’s what Jesus would do.
Thanks Tanya … I will post some of my reflections tomorrow…
… as I let this parable speak to me, i realise my affection for other things…
So thanks for your reflections … anyone else?
My take:
The merchant was looking for the pearl.
The farmer found it by accident.
Two types of seekers in this world: those looking, and those who are found.
In my own life, I’m the farmer — I found the kingdom of God by ‘accident.”
Pastor Chris
EvangelismCoach.org
I never thought about that distinction before…thanks Chris!
Great insight Chris - thanks!
Tanya…. please don’t get rid of your ‘non-Christian’ friends! Influence THEM, with the love of Christ… but do it lovingly.
I know, thanks Tim.
But I find it really hard to listen to them slag of God and I am under constant pressure to represent Jesus the right way. They criticise anything I say or do that they perceive to be wrong and comment on how God will treat me for it.
They don’t understand that I am forgiven, saved and have a place in Heaven and that I was born a sinner and will always sin because that’s the nature of humans, but I do repent and ask Jesus to help me out.
Then they look at me like I have two heads. It is tough and I will wait for the time that God softens their hearts to listen and accept the Good News.
“They criticise anything I say or do” — these are your friends?!
The criticism only started when I became a Christian. Maybe they don’t want to be friends with me anymore?!
thanks for the conversations guys. Tanya, have you asked them why they seem to continually criticise you?
Sometimes, it isn’t our faith that people criticise, but it they struggle with the changes in our personality, the way we express our faith, they way they think we percieve them, or they think we are judging them etc …
If you were to say your friendship is important to you, and you were wondering why they seem to regularly criticise you, you may find out more of what is going on. What do you think?
OK … here are a one of my thoughts as i have reflected on this parable…
In both parables, the man or the merchant see the the object of their desire, that is so valuable: the treasure or the pearl. But in both cases they left them to sell everything. They actually had to do the most challenging and sacrificial part when they could no longer see what is was they were sacrificing for.
It has struck me that when people (or I) first become Christians we see the Kingdom so clearly. But we go through seasons in our lives when we can no longer see the treasure or the pearl … it isn’t wrong, in fact it is normal. But that is the time when we continue to sacrifice on faith, not on what we see… The temptation is however, to stop “selling everything” as we forget what is it all about…
The contrast between the parables is very interesting. Anyone got any thoughts on that?
I believe these parables speak of God and us. Who has paid the ultimate price, God. He gave up everything, i.e. His own Son, Jesus. In Roman’s 8:32 it says since He didn’t spare His own Son won’t He give us everything else.
I believe God is the merchant and we are the pearl of great value.
The King lives in our heart, so the kingdom is in us and Jesus says that in Luke 17:16.
When we realise how much God has given up for us then we respond. It’s all about Him and what He has done for us.
Blessings,
Tom
Yeah, I see what you’re saying. It seems perfectly reciprocal, doesn’t it? As God sacrificed all that he had for our salvation, so we must sacrifice all that we have to achieve that salvation.
To add something to your comment, I came upon a passage today in which Matthew binds this sacrifice with service: “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28, NIV).
Somethimes it seems as if we’re working together with God, not for Him!
Regards,
Mike Tonkins
I believe it is primarily (maybe only) that we are the pearl of great value and God gave up everything for us. This then gives all the glory to God as it is Him to does it. As you found in the verse from Matthew Jesus came to serve not to be served. Just like it is that we love God because He first loved us. I think by looking more to the fact God did it rather than we do it helps keep the focus on Him and off us.
Interesting at CLAN this year it was about the Cross and the kids were taught to say “because we are worth it” every time Cross was mentioned.
Blessings,
Tom
CLAN was sponsored by L’Oreal?
Tom - great insight … thanks. I had never thought of these parables in this way, but interestly someone else suggested the interpretation you are bringing on the sunday when we looked at it.
I wonder if both are at work here. God gives everything for us, but we give everything for Him / the Kingdom? Does Jesus leave it deliberately ambiguious to incorporate both possibilities?
Thanks for the comment.