Relinquish all for the one

February 15, 2010

Relinquish all for the one

Matthew 13:44-52

Kathryn Smith

Central Truth

Both treasure and a pearl of great value picture salvation as something hidden from most people, but so VALUABLE that when they are discovered, people are willing to GIVE UP ALL they have to POSSESS them. Glory to GOD, our Father, for His great pearl of GRACE.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:44-46)

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

44 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

The Parable of the Net

47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

New and Old Treasures

51 Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

I am a girl of simplicity who loves a simple pair of pearl earrings. One of my favorite gifts is the pair I received from my grandmother in honor of my college graduation. Even though those earrings were special and brought joy to me, they don't even compare to the surpassing greatness of the TREASURE and JOY I have in finding the PEARL and the treasure in the field. How great to have a Savior who desires intimacy with me and craves my submission to relinquishing my life for Him.

As I study these parables, I ponder what I treasure most. The man in the parable joyfully went to sell everything because he found a treasure worth possessing that was more valuable than anything else he owned. God offers His kingdom as incomparable treasure at the affordable price of faith! We can't pay the price for the life God gives us. We can only exchange our life for the life He offers. The pearl of great price teaches us a similar lesson. Pearls in the ancient world came to represent the supremely valuable. Jesus even remarked that one should not cast pearls before swine. (Matthew 7:6) Why would a merchant sell everything for a peerless pearl? No doubt because he was attracted to what he thought was the greatest treasure he could possess.

Discovering God's kingdom is like stumbling across hidden treasure or finding the one pearl of great value. When we discover the kingdom of God, we receive the greatest possible treasure, our LORD. Giving up all that we have to obtain this incomparable treasure could mean many things. To me, it was moving to Dallas. Treasure has a special connection to my heart because it is what I delight in and desire. It refers to the kingdom of God in all its aspects. But in a special way, the Lord Himself is the treasure we seek. "Then the Almighty will be your gold and choice silver to you. For then you will delight in the Almighty . . . ." (Job 22:25-26a) May God be our only Treasure!

1.The Lord's kingdom is priceless. How often do you think about the riches that you have in Christ? Do you live in such a way that you treasure what Christ has given you (salvation, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, virtue, goodness, glory, heaven, and eternal life)?

2. Psalm 119:162 (NLT) says, "I rejoice in your Word like one who discovers a great treasure." What attitude did the psalmist have towards God's Word? How precious is God's Word to you? What worldly things are distracting you from reflecting on God's WORD?

3. Jesus says in Matthew 16:24: "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." What must a person do before he can follow Christ? What is God currently calling you to sacrifice in your LIFE? Do you share with nonbelievers about the cost of following Christ, as well as the great GAIN?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. The gospel, Jesus and His gift of grace, is a treasure. Do you seek after this treasure with all your heart?

2. Are you willing to give up your things for Jesus?

3. Do you actively look for opportunities to share the treasure of Jesus with others?