The Twin Treasure Parables - November 4, 2021
Matthew 13:44-46, NRSV - “The kingdom of heaven is
like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy
he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in
search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold
all that he had and bought it.
Today,
we have two parables told together to seemingly to make one point. I’m not too
sure about that. My contention is that the parables each say something
distinctive and when we put the two meanings side-by-side, it packs a powerful
one-two punch.
If
these parables are to be taken together (and I assume that they are), we need
to look at each one individually and after that, combine the meanings. As I have pointed out with other parables,
the most important part of interpreting parables is the subject. Jesus always identifies if by saying, “the
kingdom of heaven is like ________.” In
the first parable, the subject is like a “treasure.” In the second parable, it is like a “merchant.”
The
treasure in the first story is hidden, but discovered by an unnamed individual. This tells us that it can anyone, including
you or me. This lucky one finds the
treasure in someone else’s field. Possession
is, as they say, nine-tenths of the law, so the lucky discoverer realizes that
he does not own the treasure. In order to do so, he will have to own the
field. He re-hides the treasure and goes
about securing ownership. Turns out, he
has to give up all that he has to purchase the field. He gladly does this because he knows the
value of the treasure far exceeds everything he has. The kingdom of heaven is like that treasure; it’s
value is so much greater than all we have that we’d be fools not to make the
exchange. We leave the life we know for
something we know is SO MUCH better.
At this
point, I want to purposely throw a wrench into that interpretation. I do this to make my final point later. A problem I have always had with this story
is that, from my perspective (and I know I’m not alone in this), the finder of
the treasure has a moral obligation to tell the landowner about the treasure. Of course, he can’t do that if he wants to
get the treasure, because the landowner will never sell the land if he knows
what he has. There is no moral way to
gain access to this treasure – it is out of reach. The treasure is simultaneously worth
everything and unattainable. The kingdom
of heaven is like that. Hold on to that
for a minute while we talk about the second story.
In the
second parable, the kingdom is like the merchant who is specifically looking
for pearls and finds one of exceptional value.
Again, he gives all he has to acquire it because he knows he exactly
what he’s getting. The merchant here is
God. God is looking for pearls of great
price and he finds one – you. He gives
everything (His very own son) to secure you for His own.
Taken
together, the life God offers (the treasure in the first parable) is way better
than the life we have before embracing it.
We are crazy not to let go of what we have to pursue the kingdom. But we
cannot rightfully secure it on our own. But we don’t have to secure it for ourselves,
because the King/God, who is looking for a pearl of great price, finds that
pearl (it’s you!), and gives all so that you can be His. Amazing!
The kingdom of heaven is exactly like that!
Question: Have you
ever considered the reality that you are the pearl of great price?
Prayer: God, we have
trouble seeing how we are worth the price Jesus paid, but we gladly give up
what we have to accept the treasure you offer.
Amen.
Prayer focus: Pray
for people who feel like a forgotten treasure buried in a field to be “found.”
Song: You are My
Treasure – Matt Hammit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIjkVe_9pLY
