The Value of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:44-46)

SCRIPTURE

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.

COMMENT

I want to address these verses because I believe that they hold a critical part to understanding the Gospel. If the Gospel is the good news that Jesus has paid the price for our sins, then what does that really mean to us? Some would say that we just need to accept this fact and we are saved. Some include baptism as a part of that process. Others add repentance, sinner's prayers or a combination of what has been said. But I want to focus on the reaction to finding the kingdom that should be a part of our salvation. And I will even go so far as to say, if a similar reaction is not a part of your salvation,

Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, which a man found, then hid in a field. In his joy, he sells all he has and purchases that field. So a man finds something of great worth. Something that is much more valuable than all that he already possesses. We know this, because he sells all that he already possesses to obtain the field. I believe that this is what repentance is all about. When we are willing to turn from one set of values to another. In selling all that he owned, he likely parted ways with some near and dear items. But these items he now considered worthless in comparison to the treasure that he had found. Jesus also compared the kingdom of heaven to a pearl of great worth, where again, a man sold all that he had to possess it.

What does possessing the kingdom mean to us? Is it merely a matter of salvation? Is it merely a matter of  not spending eternity in hell? Perhaps if that is all that possessing the kingdom is, then you do not grasp the meaning of the kingdom of heaven. I recall Matt Chandler saying something along the lines of "Heaven is not a place for those who do not want to go to hell, it is a place for those who love God." Not sure it that is the exact quote, but I think this parable makes that point. Jesus said that first and foremost is that we love the Lord God with ALL our heart, soul, and mind. What does the Gospel message mean to you, and what will you give in exchange for it?