“When we hear a parable, we nod in agreement because the story is true to life and readily understood. Although the application of the parable may be heard, it is not always grasped. We see the story unfold before our eyes, but we do not perceive the significance of it. The truth remains hidden until our eyes are opened and we see clearly. Then the new lesson of the parable becomes meaningful.”
-Simon J. Kistemaker
Main Idea: The Kingdom of Heaven is Free, but it’s Not Cheap
Matthew 13:44-46
“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.
I. The Goods
“The phrasing tells us something else important, however, It is not personal fulfillment or individual salvation that is like a treasure or a pearl of great price - it is ‘the kingdom’. The kingdom is certainly not less than personal fulfillment and individual salvation, but it is most definitely more. And understanding this is essential to understanding what makes the treasure of Christ so surpassingly valuable. It is not simply forgiveness of sins and assurance of heaven that trusting in Christ brings - as wonderful and generous as those gifts are! It is so much more. ‘He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:32). What we receive in receiving Christ is his kingdom. The manifest reign of God takes dominion in our hearts as it goes about subduing the entire earth.” -Jared C. Wilson
II. The Encounters
III. Implication for us
1. How do you see the kingdom?
2. Are there competing treasures?
3. Are you hedging your bets?
“…if it costs you everything you have, it’s worth it. Notice two things: The man sold everything he had, and he did it with joy. ‘In his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.’ The kingdom of God is so valuable that losing everything on earth, but getting the kingdom, is a happy trade-off. That’s the main point.” -John Piper
Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Mark 10:28-30
Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” - Jim Elliot
“Doing God’s work doesn’t mean that you’re promised complete safety or guaranteed you’ll see immediate results. But there is immense assurance that you’re following the Lord God Almighty whose plans are far greater than anything you could imagine. Even though my father and his fellow missionaries’ lives were taken, their work among the Auca Indians was far from over. My mother (and other missionaries) picked up where they left off, living and working among her husband’s murderers. God used her obedience and faithfulness to ultimately reach and transform the tribe for Jesus Christ.” -Valerie Elliot Shepard, daughter of Jim Elliot
Philippians 1:21-24
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.
Will you buy that field? Will you go all in?
