Friday, November 21, 2014

November 22, 2014

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:44-46

I have been commenting on the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price recently:

There are two popular and common interpretations of these parables given to describe the Kingdom of God:
  • Parable of the Hidden Treasure
1) You are the man in the field and God/Salvation/Kingdom are the treasure.
2)  To possess His Kingdom you must sell all you have
3) When you sell all you have to possess it, you will find great JOY!

OR,

1) God is the man in the field and you are the treasure
2) God sold all He had (Jesus) to purchase you
3) Purchasing you gave Him great JOY!

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
  • Parable of the Pearl:
Two popular interpretations:

1) You are the merchant and God/Salvation/Kingdom are the precious pearl
2) You must sell all you have to purchase and possess the pearl and the JOY

OR,

1) God is the merchant and the Church is the precious pearl of great price.

·       Pearls are precious because they are so rare
·       Most precious pearls are found in deep water
·       Pearls are found in oysters buried in the sea bed
·       Pearls are found in an “unclean” animal
·       Pearls are organic and are formed in response to pain

2) God JOYFULLY sold all He had to purchase the Church for Himself.

The second version fits the context better and is most likely the proper interpretation. But either way it clearly illustrates the marvelous grace of God and the blessing of His Kingdom!


Let me ask you, if Jesus gave His all to purchase you for His Kingdom, should you hesitate to surrender all you have in order to gain His Kingdom?