Today we are going to discuss two of the shortest parables in the Bible. They are found in Matthew 13: 44 through 46 and are very similar in meaning and content because they both refer to giving all that one has in to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life. The first parable is entitled Hidden Treasure; the second is called the Pearl of Great Price.
Matthew 13:44-46 (KJV)
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
In both parables, we see men who found access to a property of great value and gave up all that they had to obtain it. We are not told the specifics of what they had to give up to obtain their precious treasures. It might have been stocks, bonds, houses, lands, relationships, their old way of life, etc. We are told that both gave up ALL to obtain their findings. Apparently, they knew the value of the found treasures and “went for broke” to obtain them. These parables teach us that, in the same way, we should be willing to give up all to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life.
Parables are written to make us think; so think about these facts. The Creator of the Universe was willing to allow His Only Son to die for us so that He could give us eternal life. That Son was willing to suffer horrifically at the hands of sinful men, to actually surrender His life, then be raised from the dead and ascend into Heaven so that we could have eternal life. So, even if we are unable to fully comprehend the unspeakable value of the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life, surely we can at least see the wisdom in following God and Jesus’ lead. If they went through what they experienced so that we could receive something of unbelievably great value, are we not wise enough to follow their lead and give up all to obtain it? Who could possibly know better than them the inherent value of eternal life and the joys of the Kingdom of Heaven?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the privilege and wisdom of choosing eternal life. I surrender All to follow You. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.