Parable of the Hidden Treasure & the Pearl

Jesus said, "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).

The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl are linked together as were the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast. These two short parables were told by Jesus to illustrate two different points about the Kingdom of Heaven. There are some similarities and differences in the two parables. In the parable of the hidden treasure, the scene described is a man laboring in a field, maybe plowing, when he discovered buried treasure. Perhaps when he first made contact with the chest or whatever the treasure was in, he thought he had hit a rock. Digging around it in order to remove the object he discovered to his amazement hidden treasure. How long it had been there and who buried it was not known. People often bury treasure in order to safeguard it from thieves or enemy soldiers. The treasure could have been there for many years and the owner long since deceased. Note: To this date people in the Middle East, and other places for that matter, still bury valuables in the ground. I had Palestinians tell me that during the Intifada they were living off "buried money." The man covered over the treasure and then in his excitement "sold all he had and bought the field." Once he was in ownership of the field, everything in it belonged to him.

The scene in the second parable involves a merchant who dealt in pearls. This man was not a "discounter" but rather traded in better merchandise. Instead of making a little profit on many sales, he was more interested in making a lot off a few transactions. Like Stanley Marcus of the Neiman Marcus Stores, this man was on a "quest for the best." Marcus actually authored a book by that title. One day the merchant found an outstanding pearl. It's large size and perfect shape was unlike anything he had ever seen. He too "sold everything to buy it."

Keep in mind that these parables were meant to teach us about the Kingdom of Heaven. The first parable describes those who discover the Kingdom quite by "accident." One day in a course of daily life, they happen upon the message of the Kingdom and in great joy realize that they have found something very valuable. These people do not get up that morning or begin that week looking for God and or spiritual things. But in his providence they found it and responded with excitement and joy. The second parable portrays individuals who are actively seeking God and looking for spiritual truth and fulfillment. When they encounter the Gospel of the Kingdom, because of their previous experiences, they see how unique and wonderful it is. They also in excitement and joy buy into it by making a total commitment. Saul of Tarsus is an example of someone who "happened" upon the Kingdom on his way to Damascus and the Ethiopian official who traveled to Jerusalem looking for God was searching for truth. As you read these parables ask yourself which one is more descriptive of you Did you find God after years of searching or just happen to discover salvation one day. If neither is the case, then perhaps this message will cause you to stop and think and then respond.

The Kingdom of God

As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, he was asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God would come (Luke 17:20). Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:20-21). The Pharisees like many people today, were most interested in the time that the kingdom of God would be realized. Jesus took the opportunity to teach a very important truth about the present reality of kingdom. By stating, "It is within you," Jesus was emphasizing the internal and spiritual nature of God's kingdom.

Turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left” (Luke 17:22-35 NIV).

There are many days, and especially as we approach the last days, that believers will "long to see" the return of Christ. However, Jesus cautioned against listening to the pronouncements of false teachers. When he does return, his appearance will be very visible. Jesus pointed out that life will be going on in a normal fashion (Luke 17:27). Most people are so engaged in their daily lives that they do not stop and think about ultimate reality of judgment and eternity. Before they know it, it will come upon them just as it has on others. When the Lord does appear, there will be no need to return to our homes for anything. The things that mean so much to us now will not be needed or matter then. Jesus repeated the paradox that those who attempt to hold on to life lose it while those who give up their lives in service to God and others preserve it. When Christ comes, there will be a separation of those who are ready and prepared and those who are not. Closeness and intimacy with people of faith will not be enough for those who are unprepared.

The disciples responded by asking, "Where Lord? He replied, "Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather" (verse 37). In other words, when conditions are met, Christ will return and believers will be gathered to meet him. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Are you ready?