Matthew 13:44-46
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. One day a man found the treasure, and then he hid it in the field again. He was so happy that he went and sold everything he owned to buy that field. Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a man looking for fine pearls. When he found a very valuable pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it.” – Matthew 13:44-46 NCV
4 Responses from Matthew 13:44-46 to the kingdom of heaven: discovery, happiness, attachment, & ownership.
1. Discovery – Jesus describes a point of finding the kingdom of God, which is most valuable. 1 Corinthians 2:8-16
2. Happiness – Jesus describes a joyful response to recognizing and receiving the value of the kingdom of God. Matthew 5:3, 10
3. Attachment – Jesus describes a wholehearted personal attachment to the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 Romans 8:16-17
4. Ownership – Jesus describes letting go of everything that is temporary for the sake of an eternal commitment to the kingdom of God. Matthew 6:9, 10, 19-24
What do we learn?
- The kingdom of God is most valuable, more valuable than anything we care about, own, or live for.
- The kingdom of God brings joy.
- The kingdom of God lasts forever in victorious peace.
- The kingdom is something we can receive and give ourselves to.
- The kingdom of God should shape our perspective and values.
What should we do?
1. Read Matthew 13:44-46 this week and think about it.
2. Pray, asking God for his kingdom here and now.
“You should pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’” – Matthew 6:9-10 CSB
3. Pray, asking God to open our spiritual eyes to eternal perspective.
4. Pray, asking God to shape our values and priorities.
5. Think and plan actions based on these truths.