1. …

2. The Parable Of The Hidden Treasure Matthew 13:44-46 The Parable Of The Pearl Of Great Price

3. Setting  On Western shore of Sea of Galilee; late in 2nd year of preaching  During the Great Galilean Ministry  Jesus is beginning a “2nd tour” of Galilee Lk 8:1  The start of 3 “private” parables v. 36 The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

4. The Hidden Treasure Parable v. 44  A man finds a treasure in a field  He does not own the field  Yet, overcome with joy, he sells all he has to buy the field  All he owns pales in comparison to the value of the treasure he has found The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

5. The Pearl Parable vv. 45-46  A merchant is on a “quest”…searching for fine pearls  Success…he finds the “perfect” pearl  To have it, he sells everything else he owns in order to purchase the pearl The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

6. The Pearl Parable vv. 45-46  The merchant’s “quest” defined him  He wasn’t going to stop until he located the desire of his heart  He has to have that pearl…everything he owns pales in comparison The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

7. The Application  Jesus commends a “spirit” that is noteworthy vv. 44b, 46  The heavenly kingdom must be valued above everything else in one’s life  All must be willingly forsaken Lk 14:33 cp. Mt 19:22 The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

8. The Application  Re: this “noteworthy spirit”  Possessed only when we are willing to correctly compare things of this life to what can be gained eternally  Seen in Paul’s life Phil 3:4-8 Col 2:3  Seen in Moses’ life Heb 11:24-26 The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

9. The Application  Re: this “noteworthy spirit”  This “choice” we must make is made even more challenging when facing an unbelieving world after we choose  Imagine the reaction (scorn) the man received as he sold all his possessions!! The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

10. The Application  Re: this “noteworthy spirit”  Though having to contend with hurtful mocking & slander…  The one who finds “heaven’s treasure” knows its real value…he will gladly give up everything to possess it The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

11. The Application  Similarity between the 2 parables –  Both teach the incomparable value (worth) of heaven’s kingdom  A value recognized by the willingness to dispose of everything else to have it  Even including family Lk 14:26 The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

12. The Application  Similarity between the 2 parables –  The cost of discipleship was a frequent theme in Jesus’ kingdom teaching  A calculated decision that we must make Lk 9:57-62 14:28-30 The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

13. The Application  Difference between the 2 parables – The Hidden Treasure  The man was not looking for treasure  He sort of “stumbled upon it”  People are occupied with life’s mundane activities with little/no spiritual concern The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

14. The Application  Difference between the 2 parables – The Hidden Treasure  Such are exposed to heaven’s kingdom when they least expect it Jn 4:4-42 Acts 8:9-13  They realize its worth…give up all for it The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

15. The Application  Difference between the 2 parables – The Hidden Treasure  Thus, we are exhorted re: those who are not looking for the kingdom Mt 5:13-16 Titus 2:10 1 Pet 2:11-12 The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

16. The Application  Difference between the 2 parables – The Pearl Of Great Price  The merchant was looking for pearls  He hoped to find it  People who are looking for truth, searching for that which interests them The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

17. The Application  Difference between the 2 parables – The Pearl Of Great Price  They can be led to Christ, His kingdom when Divine providence puts them in contact with those who can teach them Acts 8:26-40 10:1-48 The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

18. The Application  Difference between the 2 parables – The Pearl Of Great Price  Thus, we are exhorted re: those who are looking for the kingdom 1 Pet 3:15 The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

19. The Lesson  Do I value heaven’s kingdom above everything else in my life?  Evangelistic help re: those who are or are not looking for the kingdom The Hidden Treasure The Pearl Of Great Price Matt 13:44-46

20. …