Each gospel writer makes a unique contribution. With his “just the facts” approach, Mark gave us Jesus, simply and plainly. He and John do not share many of Jesus’ parables. As we think about what Jesus did, it is also good to ponder what he said. Matthew and Luke share some of Jesus’ parables with us. Today we look at two simple parables about the kingdom of heaven.
Every sermon should have at least one point. This is a cardinal rule in preaching. Joachim Jeremias said Jesus’ parables typically taught one simple truth. This is a good rule of thumb. We torture the text when we try to make it say something it doesn’t.
Jesus’ two stories seem to teach the same truth. What is the point in these parables about treasure in a field and a pearl of great price? Steeped in John 3:16, as a young preacher I wrote a sermon about how we are the treasure in the field; we are the pearl of great price. Jesus loved us and gave up everything for us. While these truths are found so many places in the New Testament, I missed the point of the parable.
The Kingdom of heaven is not just a place. A synonym might be, God’s reign. When God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven, his kingdom has come. Jesus, our King, came to initiate the rule of God in our world. What is God’s kingdom like? The kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field. When someone finds it, really finds it, they sell everything to buy that field. The kingdom of heaven is like one amazing pearl. When a pearl merchant finds it, he sells everything to buy it.
If we ever find the infinite worth of God’s reign in our lives, we will give up everything we have to gain his kingdom, his rule in our lives. Nothing else approximates the value of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is not talking about giving up everything to get to heaven. He spoke of giving up everything to live under the rule of God.
Consider carefully: what do we value more than anything else? The rich young ruler valued his money and went away from King Jesus in great sorrow. He kept his pearls and missed the pearl of great price. When we pray for our family and friends we pray that Jesus will be their treasure and not just a part of their lives. If someone gave us the crown jewels from the tower of London, or all the money in Fort Knox, Jesus would still be worth infinitely more. Shouldn’t we love him first above all else?
