Unearthing Treasure
OPENING PRAYER:
Holy Spirit of God, enable me to cut through the competing voices that assail me every day. May I discern your voice and follow your direction.
The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
The Parable of the Net
47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
REFLECT:
What is your most treasured possession? What would you most like to own, and what would you have to do to get it?
Have you ever held a precious stone or a piece of glass up to the light to see it reflect and refract as it’s turned? Or looked carefully at a shell, or a flower, or leaf to see its shape and color from all sides? This series of mini-parables seems to be doing something similar with the kingdom of God: helping us understand and appreciate its true beauty as we view it from different angles.
Where previous parables have focused on the gradual unfolding of the kingdom and varying reactions to it, in these verses Jesus’ focus is on its infinite worth and value. He profiles a poor man who had to sell all he had to buy the field (v 44), a merchant (vs 45,46), fishermen (vs 47,48), and a house owner, as he explores the value of finding and receiving the kingdom of God – being accepted by Jesus (v 52). He brings new revelation which fulfills old prophecies. Which parable resonates most with you? Do you sometimes feel you are diligently seeking, searching and unearthing treasure as you follow Jesus? Have you stumbled across any powerfully illuminating spiritual truths recently?
APPLY:
What questions do you have about Jesus? What do you find easy to comprehend, and what is more challenging to grasp? As you pray, ask for help with any barrier that is preventing you from hearing God’s voice.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, in your will my life finds purpose and in your love I have found salvation. What treasure is mine in you!
WORSHIP:
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