Pastor Dave Mann
Apr 82 min
by Pr. Dave Mann
These two parables are among the shortest of Jesus’ repertoire of engaging comparisons of the kingdom of heaven. Yet, they have high value when applied to our lives. Successful business entrepreneurs know how to recognize value when an opportunity presents itself. What is the potential of a struggling small business for sale? What could be the return on investment for a stock option? Which piece of real estate with a little TLC might produce a tidy profit when resold? Who can see these values? Most of us miss these opportunities, but the one with an eye for them understands the real worth.
Jesus compares the wisdom of such business opportunities to the supreme value of the kingdom of heaven. Many people have no idea of the surpassing worth of God’s kingdom. But those who have an eye for it, are willing to sell all “to purchase the field.”
Numerous passages in the New Testament talk about parting with material resources in view of the surpassing value of the kingdom of heaven.
Out of sheer joy of being in relationship with Jesus, Zacchaeus found it normal to give half of his possessions to the poor and to return four times the amount he had cheated others. This was Zacchaeus’ idea of a reasonable response to God’s grace, not a requirement. (Luke 19:1-10)
Jesus was grieved that the rich young ruler did not understand the surpassing value of being connected to Jesus. See Luke 18:18-30. “When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.” (vv. 22-23)
The Apostle Paul understood the joy of being included in the kingdom of God. He wrote in Philippians 3:8: “I consider everything a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
The apostle also shared what he had learned with the Corinthians when encouraging them to give generously, not reluctantly or under compulsion: "For God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Early church believers, notably Joseph Barnabas, shared their wealth easily out of the joy of being part of the kingdom of God. See Acts 4:33-37.
When we have an eye for the worth of the kingdom of heaven, it is no problem to invest all we are and all we have in something of such great supreme value.
Lord Jesus, thank you for these short but powerful parables. The buried treasure and the pearl of great price are apt comparisons for the worth of the kingdom of heaven, but, in reality, there is no comparison for the eternal worth of a relationship with you. I pray for the gift of an eye for the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen!