The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
A man finds treasure hidden in a field and joyfully sells everything to buy that field. A merchant finds a perfect pearl and sells everything to own it. The kingdom of heaven is worth everything.
Jesus said: '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.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.'
These twin parables make the same point from two different angles. The first man stumbles upon treasure unexpectedly—perhaps a day laborer plowing someone else's field. The second man is actively searching—a merchant who knows pearls and recognizes perfection when he sees it.
Both men respond identically: they sell everything to obtain what they've found. Not reluctantly, not with regret—but with JOY. They know the value of what they've discovered far exceeds everything they're giving up.
The kingdom of heaven—relationship with God through Christ, forgiveness of sins, eternal life—is worth more than all worldly possessions combined. Those who truly see its value don't view following Jesus as sacrifice but as gain. They've found the treasure.