Matthew 13:44-46
Sunday, November 24, 2002

Introduction to the Parables

Mark records in chapter 4:2, Jesus “taught them many things by parables.” He was a master teacher and storyteller. The parables comprise more than 1/3 of the recorded teachings of Jesus. The word “parable” comes from a Greek word “parabole” and literally means “a throwing alongside.” One thing is placed by the side of another thing for the purpose of comparison. Thus a parable is a comparison or an analogy. Growing up, I remember a parable being defined as “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” 

When the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” notice his reply in Matt. 13:10-13. When His disciples asked Him the reason for His teaching in parables, the Lord replied by quoting a prophecy found in Isa. 6:9-10. This prophecy is quoted five times in the New Testament (Mt. 13:14, 15; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10; Jn. 12:39-40; Acts 28:26-27). This prophecy refers to the spiritual deterioration of the people of Israel. Their dull hearts made them spiritually blind and deaf. By using parables, Jesus was seeking to interest and awaken those whose spiritual senses were growing dull. 

So in summary, the parables have become God’s special instruments of revelation and insight into the spiritual dimension of His rule in the lives of people. The parables are both mirrors and windows. As mirrors, they help us see ourselves. They reveal our lives as they really are. As windows, they help us see life and some of the mysteries of God. 

The Parable of the Great Pearl (Mt. 13:45, 46)
I. The Organic Origin of a Pearl
a. The pearl is unique among gemstones because of its organic origin: that is, it is a product of a living organism – a pearl oyster.
i. Since this mollusk thrives in tropical waters at an average depth of 40 feet, a pearl is not a treasure a man will just happen to stumble onto while walking along the beach. Pearls are not found like that.
ii. In ancient times, they were obtained at great cost. Divers operating from small boats dived into the dangerous reefs carrying a large stone attached to a rope to pull them down to the depths of the oyster beds. Have you thought about the risk of having to stay submerged for up to five minutes while also facing the risk of sharks, moray eels, etc.? 
iii. Yet, an average of only one oyster in a thousand contained a pearl. 
b. A second extraordinary characteristic of the pearl is that it is the only gem that cannot be improved by man. All other jewels must be cut and polished by skilled craftsmen to have value as gemstones. 
i. This makes the pearl a particularly appropriate symbol for the kingdom of God. For the kingdom is a divine institution, designed by the mind of a perfect God from times eternal. 

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Mt. 13:44)
I. In this companion parable, a man finds a treasure hidden in a field, hides it again, then excitedly goes and sells everything he has to buy the field. 
a. Once again, the treasure represents his kingdom. 
b. The treasure is not visible to anyone except the finder. The treasure is the kingdom in embryo. It’s God’s people as they existed in the mind of God from eternity. 

II. Satan never guessed God would pay the supreme price. The emergence of His kingdom depended upon Christ, the Eternal Word, taking on humanity and coming to repossess the field. 
a. At the close of his ministry, when Jesus stood in the shadow of the cross, he exclaimed to his disciples, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). He would buy the field with his life, and the kingdom treasure was his. 

III. In a lesser but very real sense, every seeker of the kingdom must overcome the world if he is to possess the treasure of the kingdom (Mt. 19:27; Phil. 3:8; Rev. 3:21; Mt. 10:38; 16:24; Gal. 5:24). 

IV. Notice the joy with which the man sold all he had to be able to purchase the field with treasure. This is a key to this parable. If a person is not experiencing joy when he sacrifices to be a part of God’s kingdom, what might be wrong? 

The Kingdom Defined
I. The focus of these two parables is on the kingdom of heaven. How would you describe the “kingdom of heaven?”
a. The kingdom of heaven exists in a spiritual dimension that always transcends the physical universe. It exists wherever God reigns in the hearts of his subjects.
b. In these parables, Jesus is in effect saying, “That’s the way a person responds to the rule of God in his life.” God offers salvation, a relationship, guidance, forgiveness, security, identity, and hope for the future. When a person discovers this “treasure,” he comes to God with great joy. 

II. How is the kingdom of heaven like a pearl of great price? How is it like a hidden treasure? 

III. The kingdom must be sought - - it must be the first priority of the seeker and more important to him than earthly values (Mt. 6:33). The pearl cannot be found by the casual wayfarer. God rewards only those who through faith earnestly seek him (Heb. 11:6).

Life Applications:
• Given the hiddenness of God’s kingdom, what are the characteristics of people who are most likely to find it? 
• Where have you been surprised to find God’s ruling activity in your life? 
• What about God’s kingdom provides you with the greatest joy? Or to put it another way, what about God’s kingdom is of greatest value to you? 
• What are the possible risks and/or costs involved in seeking and finding God’s kingdom today?