We cannot seem to get enough! However, the focus of what the kingdom of God represents appears to shift from the object of value (the hidden treasure) to the person searching (the merchant), giving the Hidden Treasure Parable a different focus and importance than the Pearl Parable. Martin G. Collins The pearl of great price is also a treasure but there is a difference. Its beauty was captivating. He depends on his understanding of whatever commodity he is trading, and in this case, it is his knowledge of pearls. 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. If that is the cost, then he will gladly pay it! Androcles and the Lion). Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a treasure hidden in a field. Some of these questions arose in me after a near-death experience and many fishing incidents where, but for the grace of God, I could have easily lost my life. I had no idea where that purchase would eventually take me. This attitude is the heart of a man that pleases God, one with an inner resolve that nothing should prevent him from having a relationship with Christ. Finding hidden treasure was rare. “What is your treasure?” Children’s Sermon on the Parables of the Treasure and the Pearl. In verse 1, however, Paul makes it clear that we must be doing something—seeking heavenly things—for this to happen. God’s will is for us to be transformed into Christ’s image; we are the hidden treasure to Jesus. We are part of the body of Christ. Everything else is subservient to that one point. The enemy of our souls (Satan) will keep us busy with all kinds of trivial and unimportant things in an attempt to distract and to keep us asleep to the things of God. Jesus gave clear and precise illustrations to which His audience could relate. 10Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? To view more free Studies in this series, click here, 5. He certainly expected to buy a good many of them. Jesus also spoke of common civic duties and social events. As I mentioned at the beginning of this study, there are two ways of looking at this parable. All that is lovely and of a pure character is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. But, the most striking figure used is the parable, for it teaches such deep and timeless lessons. Let’s now take a look at the second parable. I must make it clear that a relationship with God is not something that can be "bought." He cashed in all the stocks that he had, pension plan, everything! It is the kind of thing that we imagine happening to adventurers or explorers, but it has happened to ordinary people just going about their business who are not expecting it. Our hands can be full of all kinds of things. My heart was touched, and I felt that I needed to give her that elephant toward the price of her airline ticket. From the point of giving our lives to Christ, we are managers of those things that we previously owned. The worth of having God ruling over you and, for you, over everything else. It was always my dream as a bottom–trawling fisherman on the East coast of England to come across one of the ships containing gold that sunk on the treacherous sandbanks that line the coastline of England. Merchants could relate to illustrations from the business world that translated into spiritual principles. The third section is the last parable, the Parable of the Householder, who takes out of his treasury both old and new. This should give us great confidence in our spiritual battles. Study 1 The Parable of the Wedding Feast . Jesus said, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). While the Parable of the Hidden Treasure is similar to the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, their meanings are different. What is the main point of the parable? Like the apostle Paul, the Lord would have us release our grip on the things of this world so that we may gain Christ. He could have stolen it and sold it off in a neighboring country. We have more going for us than we might think, despite the spiritual battles we still have to fight. Third Pair: The Treasure (verse 44) represents the preciousness of Christians to Christ, who can see their hidden value and sacrifices all to possess them. Some people spend many years learning a skill or trading knowledge for money. What happens when we make a purchase? However, there is another way to interpret the parable. My life changed from that point. We do not know the value of the pearl of high price, but the merchant knew this to be the most significant deal of a lifetime, and he knew it would cost him much for this pearl. All they see is the field, but they do not look below the surface of things to see the treasure that is hidden. What does that mean? The Parable of the Hidden Treasure is a well known parable of Jesus, which appears in Matthew 13:44, and illustrates the great value of the Kingdom of Heaven. Martin G. Collins He, with His own life's blood, redeemed us with joy. That is why Jesus said. Help me to empty my hands of things to which I am clinging that I may be filled with Christ. 29For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 31“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. If you are a seeker, I would suggest that you look hard at the pearl and explore the truths of what God has done for you. In the matter of the elephant, I guess you could say I stumbled upon a treasure. Fishermen are known for their colorful language, and mine was no exception. The same sentiment is expressed in Hebrews 12:2. I believe that the emphasis in this passage speaks of the value that the man places on this treasure and the decision that he makes to acquire it at all costs. Usually the eighth is combined with the seventh parable. It immediately precedes the parable of the Pearl, which has a similar theme. They want to guard their reputation. From the point of giving our lives to Christ, we are managers of those things that we previously owned. When the man found this pearl of high price, he resolved within his heart that he would have it. 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