Two Parables

I love the parables of Jesus. He says so much in so few words. I think that’s the beauty of language used properly: so much more can be communicated when it’s implied rather than stated. And when the Author of language itself—the Word made flesh—is the one speaking, you can be sure that He is saying something worth thinking deeply about.

That’s why I want to look at these two short, powerful, life-changing parables today. They are so similar and yet communicate two different aspects of seeking the kingdom of heaven.

The Parables

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

Matthew 13:44-46

There is one major truth that stands out as soon as you read these bold statements that Jesus makes: the kingdom of heaven must be pretty valuable. I mean, you see two different guys encountering two different kinds of treasure, but their response is the same—they sell everything to get it. So what is the kingdom of heaven, and what is Jesus saying in these parables? Let’s find out.

The Kingdom of Heaven

The phrase “kingdom of heaven” may seem a bit ambiguous. Does it mean the literal place that God dwells? Does it refer to his rule and reign on earth, too? I think John Piper clarified it best in a sermon on this passage. He says that the kingdom of heaven, or the kingdom of God, is “the reign of God and Christ, triumphing over everything that stands between you and everlasting life and joy, if you will treasure it more than anything else.” In other words, it is everything that His salvation accomplishes for those who recognize its worth. He goes on to say, “I think we can treat the kingdom of God here almost synonymously with salvation or with reconciliation with God through the work of Christ.”

So the kingdom of heaven in the context of these parables seems to be salvation and everything that comes along with it. In other passages, it’s clear that these are privileges and blessings that we get when we are in Christ. We don’t deserve to inherit the kingdom; only the Son of the King deserves that. But because we are in Christ, we inherit what He inherits, and that means the kingdom! I need to let that sink in next time I’m moping about something trivial that I think I deserve.  

Treasure in a Field

So the kingdom of heaven is salvation and all that it encompasses for us in Christ. Then what’s the deal with this treasure hidden in a field? What does that have to do with salvation? Apparently, in Jewish culture, it wasn’t uncommon for someone to bury his life’s savings somewhere on his property. This protected it from thieves since, presumably, no one knew where it was hidden. If that guy died or was taken away, his treasure may remain undiscovered for a long time.

Enter, the lucky guy in this parable.

I have no idea how he struck this treasure. It doesn’t say he was looking for it. In fact, it seems like he just kind of stumbles across it. Maybe he was digging around in a field, doing his day’s worth of farm work. Maybe he was trying to reach water. Who knows? All we’re sure of is that, while he is going about his daily life, he hits the jackpot: he finds a treasure that he didn’t expect, earn, or own, but he immediately decides to do whatever it takes to make it his own. He sells everything and buys the field.   

Pearl of Great Value

Now what about the pearl of great value? I mean, how great could a pearl really be? Apparently, back in the day, pearls were a bigger deal than diamonds are today. Maybe it’s because they hadn’t yet begun to make faux pearls or enlist oysters to produce pearls on demand. Regardless, a quality pearl was a big-time collector’s item for the wealthy.

And while the man in the first parable seemed to stumble across the treasure in the field, the man in this parable is a merchant. This is his job. He goes around searching for great pearls, so he knows what he’s looking for. But when he sees this one pearl—this perfect, matchless pearl—he knows this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He sells everything and buys the pearl.  

In His Joy

The difference between these men is that one was going about his own business, not looking for a treasure at all. The other was searching diligently for one pearl of matchless value. But regardless of their motives, they both found the treasure. Isn’t that just like God? He is pleased to reward those who diligently seek Him, and he is pleased to amply pay the laborer who did only an hour of work. The truth is, no one seeks God unless God is already drawing them to Himself, so you could just as truly say the treasures found these men. What great news! The seeking and finding isn’t up to us; it’s up to the One Who wants to be found.

But these guys may still seem crazy to us. If you’re anything like me, you are very reluctant to go “all in” on anything. I’d rather invest, say, 50% of what I have and save the other half as my “just in case” fallback plan. But not these guys. As different as they are—a regular laborer and a professional merchant—they have the same response to their treasures: they are all in.

And the most amazing part is expressed in three short words: “in his joy.” John Piper built a huge piece of his ministry around the truth contained in these words, and I think he was right to consider them so crucial. See, these guys don’t just take hesitant, fearful action or go home to discuss the pros and cons with all of their advisors. Instead, they immediately and joyfully trade their entire life’s security for this one treasure. Apparently, they saw the value and knew it was worth it. In their joy, they traded everything for the kingdom.

The Takeaway

So what does the mean for us? Is Jesus implying that heaven can be bought? Is he saying that, if you really want salvation, it’s going to cost you all the money you have? No, I think that’s precluded by all his other teachings about salvation. Instead, I think His focus is on the recognition of the value of the kingdom. If we truly see what God is offering us in Christ, our response will be the same as these men: in our joy, we will gladly trade all that we’ve been hoarding and scraping in order to have the unsurpassable treasure of the kingdom. In fact, we’ll understand that it’s no sacrifice at all! The value of what we’re giving up is nothing compared to the value of what we’re gaining.

It’s not a sacrifice; it’s a joy.

Resources:

https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/pearl-great-price/ https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-a-treasure