The Parable Of The Hidden Treasure

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The Parable Of The Hidden Treasure

Matthew 13:44-46The Parable Of The Pearl Of Great

Price

Setting On Western shore of Sea of Galilee; late

in 2nd year of preaching During the Great Galilean Ministry Jesus is beginning a “2nd tour” of

Galilee Lk 8:1 The start of 3 “private” parables v. 36

The Hidden TreasureThe Pearl Of Great

PriceMatt 13:44-46

The Hidden Treasure Parable v. 44 A man finds a treasure in a field He does not own the field Yet, overcome with joy, he sells all he

has to buy the field All he owns pales in comparison to the

value of the treasure he has found


PriceMatt 13:44-46

The Pearl Parable vv. 45-46 A merchant is on a “quest”…searching

for fine pearls Success…he finds the “perfect” pearl To have it, he sells everything else he

owns in order to purchase the pearl


PriceMatt 13:44-46

The Pearl Parable vv. 45-46 The merchant’s “quest” defined him He wasn’t going to stop until he located

the desire of his heart He has to have that pearl…everything

he owns pales in comparison


PriceMatt 13:44-46

The Application Jesus commends a “spirit” that is

noteworthy vv. 44b, 46 The heavenly kingdom must be valued

above everything else in one’s life All must be willingly forsaken Lk 14:33

cp. Mt 19:22


PriceMatt 13:44-46

The Application Re: this “noteworthy spirit”

Possessed only when we are willing to correctly compare things of this life to what can be gained eternally

Seen in Paul’s life Phil 3:4-8 Col 2:3 Seen in Moses’ life Heb 11:24-26


PriceMatt 13:44-46


This “choice” we must make is made even more challenging when facing an unbelieving world after we choose

Imagine the reaction (scorn) the man received as he sold all his possessions!!


PriceMatt 13:44-46


Though having to contend with hurtful mocking & slander…

The one who finds “heaven’s treasure” knows its real value…he will gladly give up everything to possess it


PriceMatt 13:44-46

The Application Similarity between the 2 parables –

Both teach the incomparable value (worth) of heaven’s kingdom

A value recognized by the willingness to dispose of everything else to have it Even including family Lk 14:26


PriceMatt 13:44-46

The Application Similarity between the 2 parables –

The cost of discipleship was a frequent theme in Jesus’ kingdom teaching

A calculated decision that we must make Lk 9:57-62 14:28-30


PriceMatt 13:44-46

The Application Difference between the 2 parables –

The Hidden Treasure The man was not looking for treasure He sort of “stumbled upon it” People are occupied with life’s mundane

activities with little/no spiritual concern


PriceMatt 13:44-46


The Hidden Treasure Such are exposed to heaven’s kingdom

when they least expect it Jn 4:4-42 Acts 8:9-13

They realize its worth…give up all for it


PriceMatt 13:44-46


The Hidden Treasure Thus, we are exhorted re: those who are

not looking for the kingdom Mt 5:13-16 Titus 2:10 1 Pet 2:11-12


PriceMatt 13:44-46


The Pearl Of Great Price The merchant was looking for pearls He hoped to find it People who are looking for truth,

searching for that which interests them


PriceMatt 13:44-46


The Pearl Of Great Price They can be led to Christ, His kingdom

when Divine providence puts them in contact with those who can teach them Acts 8:26-40 10:1-48


PriceMatt 13:44-46


The Pearl Of Great Price Thus, we are exhorted re: those who are

looking for the kingdom 1 Pet 3:15


PriceMatt 13:44-46

The Lesson Do I value heaven’s kingdom above

everything else in my life?

Evangelistic help re: those who are or are not looking for the kingdom


PriceMatt 13:44-46

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The Parable Of The Hidden Treasure