31/05/2023
the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Matthew 13:44-46)
The treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price are parables in the Bible that many people are familiar with. But due to our familiarity with the verses, we often overlook the deeper meanings buried within, Firstly, many people believe that the two parables are essentially referring to the same thing, since we’ve found Jesus (the Kingdom of Heaven) we should give up everything else and follow Him. But let’s read the two parables again in more detail…
the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44)
Now this falls in line with the interpretation we mentioned above. We (the man) found the Kingdom of Heaven hidden in the field, sold everything we had and bought the field. Once we’ve discovered God’s goodness, all the other temptations of the world pale in comparison. We’re now trading curses for blessings, sickness for health, sins for righteousness. We give up all our previous misconceptions about the world and about God in exchange for the true knowledge of God’s love. Makes perfect sense.
But now let’s take a look at the other parable…
the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46)
Did you notice the difference? In the previous parable, the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to the treasure in the field and we are represented by the man who eventually bought the field. However, in the second parable, the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to the merchant, not the pearl! What does the pearl represent then? I submit to you that you are the pearl of great price! For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) God loves you so much, and you’re so precious in His eyes, that He gave up everything, split the heavens apart, came down to earth, was stripped of all riches, endured humiliation, suffered unimaginable torture, and died on the Cross, just so that He can redeem you. Do you see how valuable you are to God?
So whenever you feel defeated. Whenever you feel insignificant. Whenever you feel that no one cares about you. Remember, you are the pearl of great price! You are the one whom the Lord of the universe gave up everything to redeem.
