The Parables of the Treasure in the Field and the Pearl of Great Price Matthew 13:44-46

‘A phrase that describes how things are when God’s will is done’ What is the Kingdom? ‘A phrase that describes how things are when God’s will is done’ (Steve Jones)

A Treasure to be found A Price to be paid An Application to be made

The Treasure in the Field  “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.”

The Treasure What is the Treasure? Could be: The Gospel Jesus Himself Accepting and doing God’s will

Accepting and doing God’s will ‘The Kingdom of heaven is like…..’ ‘How things are when God’s will is done…’ Doing God’s will usually involves change….in action, behaviour, motivation etc Matthew 3:2 and Matthew 4:17 ‘Repent’ - ‘Repent means more than ‘be sorry’ or even ‘change your mind’; it echoes the Old Testament prophets’ frequent summons to Israel to ‘return’ to God, to abandon their rebellion and come back to their covenant obedience.’ (RT France) To gain the kingdom involves LOSS and JOY!

The Pearl of Great Price “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.”

The Pearl Pearls: great value and beauty Same overall meaning: suffer loss to gain the Kingdom, something of great value and beauty

Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High     will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Nehemiah 8:9-12 9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.”

Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Philippians 3_7-11 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”

Matthew 11:12 “ From the days of John the Baptist, the Kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”(NIV)