Jesus’ parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price offer two life-changing perspectives on our worth and identity in God’s eyes. Matthew recorded both of these parables in his gospel account.
The kingdom of heaven is like a 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.
I ran across this passage while praying for a friend after she told me she had surrendered her life to Christ. Initially, I studied it because I believed God wanted me to use it to encourage her. As I studied the passage more, though, it ended up blessing me more than I ever expected.
Jesus is Our Hidden Treasure
I always considered these two parables to be about people like me and you discovering the hidden treasure of heaven, and I fully believe that is a correct interpretation of this Scripture. The kingdom of heaven, when we discover its worth, shifts our perspective on value in this world. Suddenly, our earthly possessions all seem like rubbish in comparison to knowing Christ.
When we discover just how much the Lord loves us, that he knows our inner workings and thoughts before we ever do, that he gave his own son to pay for the penalty of our sin, our world is rocked. The truth makes us want to turn away from our old habits, our earthly idols, and our goals in this life in exchange for the one pursuit of following after Jesus — loving what he loves, despising what he hates, and trusting that his way is the very best for our life. We begin to store up treasure in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy. (Matt. 6:19-21). All falls short in comparison to the joy of knowing Christ.
We are Jesus’ Hidden Treasure
But, I’d like to take a look at a different interpretation of these two parables that took my breath away and brought me to tears. Re-read the verses below inserting Jesus as “the man” and “the merchant” and your name as “the treasure” and “the pearl.”
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure (named _______) hidden in a field. When Jesus 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 Jesus looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value (named________), he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Here is the gospel! Jesus came to Earth to be with you now and for all eternity. You are more precious than anything, in all of creation, to him. (John 15:13). YOU! You are of “great value,” and there is no greater joy for the Father than being in a relationship with you!
Jesus Pursues You Out of Joy
Jesus rejoices over relationship with you. Consider how the shepherd loves his sheep in Jesus’ better-known Parable of the Lost Sheep:
Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Jesus, in his love and pursuit of you, “the one,” gave up everything. Everything! He sold all he had in exchange for his most precious possession, and it brought him JOY to do so.
Hebrews 12:2 says, “[K]eep . . . our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
You, my friend, are the joy that was set before him. The joy you bring him was worth it to him to endure the cross and spare you. Therefore, walk all the days of your life with your eyes fixed on Jesus, our treasure and pearl, until that glorious day that we are face to face.
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