Jesus spoke in parables often in order to expose our spiritual condition. When divine truth is revealed by Jesus, the hopeful response from the hearer was repentance and faith. It is no different today as the truth of the gospel is revealed through God’s word. Today’s text is in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew in which Jesus reveals what the kingdom of God is like through many parables. What is the kingdom of God in general? The kingdom of God is wherever God reigns, and since He reigns everywhere, the kingdom of God is everywhere. Although everyone on earth is under God’s rule, that does not mean that everyone is part of God’s kingdom. Those two are separate. The only way to enter God’s kingdom is to believe in Jesus Christ.
Kingdom is priceless. Jesus is conveying the kingdom of God and its worth in the parable of the hidden treasure (v 44). Jesus is stating that the kingdom is incomparable. The hidden treasure and pearl are salvation and the preciousness of being with God in His kingdom as heavenly citizens. The value of the kingdom is objectively precious. Those that value salvation the Lord provides truly understand the objective value of it. Moreover, does this value remain for the Christian post-conversion? What the Christian values in their hearts reveal whether or not God’s kingdom continues to be the most precious or if something in the world begins to compete.
Kingdom is not evident to everyone. The treasure and value of the kingdom and salvation are not obvious to most. The light of the gospel and the glory of Christ can only be revealed by the Spirit and the grace of God. God is the One that makes it evident to the sinner. In the same manner, the world cannot understand why Christians give their lives to the Lord Jesus and continue to live that way until death.
Kingdom is pure joy. The man that sells everything in order to buy the hidden treasure in the field implies that the discovery of the kingdom is a great joy. Jesus knows the need for man’s desire for happiness. Unfortunately, most men look everywhere other than the kingdom for their joy. It is Christ’s joy in our lives that makes our lives full of joy. Knowing Christ and being in His kingdom produces an everlasting joy that can withstand anything. Jesus provides the best joy that brings true satisfaction.
Kingdom is personal. The two parables show two distinct men that find the kingdom of God. It is not enough to just be under the influence of Christianity and the church. The kingdom must be personally appropriated.
Kingdom is discovered through many circumstances. Scripture shows how sinners find the kingdom in various ways. This is a testament to God’s abundant grace that is available to many in whatever circumstance.
Kingdom is costly. Both men sold and bought according to the parables. There is some sort of exchange. However, the text is not implying that the kingdom can be bought. The point of the matter is that there is a cost to obtaining the kingdom. The sinner must give up all of themselves in order to gain all of Christ. There are numerous examples in Scripture where so many people that heard Christ preach could not give up everything and follow Christ. There is always a cost in order to follow Christ as Lord and Savior.
If you’re willing to give up what is near and dear to your heart because Christ and His kingdom are far more valuable than anything, that person will enter the kingdom. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it (Matt. 16:25). All that the Lord asks is to exchange our filthy rags for His robe of righteousness. Give up your life for Christ’s sake and you shall find eternal life.
In order to obtain Christ, you must forsake all. It is foolishness to hold onto sin and judgment that ultimately leads to hell. Self must not be a lord but Christ himself must become Lord. When Christ becomes Lord, His kingdom becomes ours forever. Is the Lord’s salvation and kingdom as valuable as the hidden treasure in the field or that one pearl of great value?
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
Leave a comment