Treasure Worth Having

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Jesus taught many parables about his kingdom with many different lessons in mind.  In Matthew 13, we learn several different lessons about Christ's kingdom.  We learn a great deal about how the kingdom is to grow.  We learn about the seed of that kingdom (God's word).  From the parable of the mustard seed we learn about the small beginning and later growth of the
kingdom.  

Let us focus on the lessons to be learned from Matthew 13:44-46.

In these two parables, the kingdom of heaven is likened to an hidden treasure and a pearl of great price.  Jesus is obviously intending to show us the valuable and exalted nature of the church.  The kingdom (or church) is valuable for several reasons.  It is valuable because of its eternal nature.  It will always exist (Eph 3:10-11; Dan 2:44; 7:13-14).  Other institutions may come and go, but Christ's kingdom will always exist!  Furthermore, it is also of such great value because of its cost.  Nothing but the blood of the Son of God was adequate to purchase the church (Ac. 20:28).  The church is of great value because it has Christ as its only head (Col 1:18; Eph 1:22-23).  Finally, it is of great value because of its ultimate destiny.  The church is heaven-bound (1 Cor 15:24).  No other religion in the world can rightfully claim this.

Notice also that, in these parables, a sacrifice was required to obtain the treasure.

Both buyers had to sell all that they had in order to obtain the prize.  We too must make sacrifices to obtain the prize of salvation.  We must give our very bodies to Christ as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1).  There may be some who have to go against their family to obey the gospel.  Some have to give us life-long habits or hobbies in order to become Christians.

However, we should also point out that these buyers never regretted their purchase. 

Even though that had to give up much, they realized that the prize was greater by far.  They made their sacrifices joyfully.  Any earthly thing that we might have to give up, pales in comparison when compared to the blessings of being in a correct relationship with God (Eph 1:3).  Paul counted all of his fleshly possessions and accomplishments as waste when it came to pleasing Christ (Phil 3:8).  We should be glad to give up anything that is required in order to please God.  Then, and only then, will we experience the joy that comes from being in Christ (Acts 8:39; Gal 5:22; Phil 4:4).

Ralph Price, February 2000