The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price
Text: Matthew 13:44–46

Introduction
Jesus often used parables to portray divine truth. He chose ordinary, everyday examples that were familiar to His listeners in order to teach about heavenly things, especially the kingdom of heaven. Stories stuck in people’s minds, and those with open hearts grasped the lessons He was teaching. Those with closed minds, however, left without understanding because they had no desire for spiritual truth. To understand these “kingdom parables” in Matthew 13, we must first consider what makes up a kingdom. There are four essentials: a ruler, subjects, laws, and territory. Every citizen of the kingdom must live under the authority of the king. His word is final. Christ is the ruler of His kingdom, the church (Colossians 1:13, 18). This is a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly one, and it is in existence now. As the following parables show, the kingdom is priceless beyond comparison.

Hidden Treasure
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. In those days, valuables were often hidden in the ground since houses could be easily broken into. A man stumbled upon this treasure unexpectedly. In the same way, some come into the kingdom without setting out to find it. Nathanael was called by Philip and found the Messiah almost by surprise (John 1:43–45). Paul, once a persecutor, encountered Christ unexpectedly on the road to Damascus (Acts 9; Romans 10:20). God was found by those who did not seek Him. Finding the kingdom brings great joy. Yet notice carefully: the man went and bought the field. He had a personal responsibility to make the treasure his own. It was not forced on him, nor could it be borrowed from another.

The Pearl of Great Price
In contrast to the hidden treasure found by accident, the merchant was actively seeking beautiful pearls. Many in the New Testament were seekers—Nicodemus in John 3, Cornelius in Acts 10, and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. They were rewarded for their spiritual hunger, for Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). The pearl is unique among gems because it comes from a living organism. The kingdom also comes from something alive: Jesus Christ, the true vine. There is only one pearl, just as there is only one kingdom and one church that belongs to Christ (Matthew 16:18). Just as no man can improve a pearl, no man can improve Christ’s kingdom. On the divine side it is perfect, flawless, and complete.

The Value of the Kingdom
Whether likened to a treasure or a pearl, the kingdom is worth everything to obtain. Both parables emphasize the same truth: the kingdom is of surpassing value, worth every sacrifice. Paul described this in Philippians 3:3–7, counting all things loss in order to gain Christ. Some must sacrifice money and possessions, as the rich young ruler was unwilling to do. Others must sacrifice time, friendships, or even family ties. For some, faithfulness may mean surrendering an unscriptural marriage. For others, it may mean giving their very life. Revelation 2:10 promises the crown of life to those who are faithful unto death. The question is personal: what is the kingdom worth to you? What have you given up for Christ and His church? Does your faith cost you anything?

Call to Action
Nothing is more valuable than the kingdom of heaven. It offers blessings beyond anything this world can provide: forgiveness, peace, hope, and eternal salvation. But entry requires being born of water and the Spirit, submitting to Christ in faith and obedience. Life is filled with pursuits—career, wealth, relationships—but none compare to the kingdom. Make your relationship with God the highest priority. Joy comes when you recognize the value of the kingdom and make it your own, no matter the cost.

Key Takeaways

• The kingdom of heaven is priceless beyond comparison (Matthew 13:44–46)

• Some discover it unexpectedly, others seek it diligently (John 1:43–45; Acts 10)

• Entering the kingdom is a personal responsibility (Romans 10:20)

• The kingdom is unique and perfect, built by Christ Himself (Matthew 16:18)

• True discipleship requires sacrifice—sometimes even life itself (Philippians 3:7; Revelation 2:10)

• Joy and eternal blessing await those who recognize its worth and embrace it fully

Scripture Reference List
Colossians 1:13, 18 – Christ rules His spiritual kingdom
Matthew 13:44–46 – Parables of the treasure and pearl
Matthew 6:19–22 – Heavenly treasures are eternal
John 1:43–45 – Nathanael found Christ
Acts 9; Romans 10:20 – Paul discovered Christ unexpectedly
John 3; Acts 8; Acts 10 – Seekers of the kingdom
Matthew 5:6 – Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed
Matthew 16:18 – Christ built His one church
Philippians 3:3–7 – Paul counted all as loss to gain Christ
Revelation 2:10 – Faithful unto death will receive the crown of life

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price Sermon Outline
Text: Matthew 13:44–46

Introduction

• Jesus used parables to teach divine truths with earthly stories.

• The kingdom has four essentials: ruler, subjects, laws, and territory.

• Christ rules His spiritual kingdom, the church (Colossians 1:13, 18).

• The parables teach the priceless value of the kingdom.

I. Hidden Treasure
A. Discovery by accident

• Treasures were hidden in the ground for safety.

• Man stumbled upon treasure unexpectedly.
  B. Comparison to the kingdom

• Some enter the kingdom without seeking it directly.

• Nathanael found Christ through Philip (John 1:43–45).

• Paul met Christ unexpectedly (Acts 9; Romans 10:20).
  C. Joy in discovery

• Finding the kingdom produces great joy.

• Personal responsibility: man bought the field himself.

II. The Pearl of Great Price
A. The seeker’s effort

• Merchant was actively looking for pearls.

• Many seekers in Scripture: Nicodemus (John 3), Cornelius (Acts 10), the eunuch (Acts 8).
  B. The reward of seeking

• Matthew 5:6 – Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed.
  C. Uniqueness of the pearl

• Comes from a living organism, like the kingdom from Christ.

• One pearl: one kingdom, one church (Matthew 16:18).

• Perfect in divine design: man cannot improve it.

III. The Value of the Kingdom
A. Worth everything to obtain

• Both parables stress the surpassing value of the kingdom.
  B. Paul’s example

• Philippians 3:3–7 – Counted all things loss to gain Christ.
  C. Cost of discipleship

• Some must give up possessions (rich young ruler’s failure).

• Some must give up time, friends, family.

• Some must give up an unscriptural marriage.

• Some may even face death for Christ (Revelation 2:10).
  D. The personal challenge

• What is the kingdom worth to you?

• Does your faith cost you anything?

Conclusion / Call to Action

• The kingdom is priceless treasure, worth every sacrifice.

• It provides forgiveness, peace, hope, and salvation.

• Entry is through being born of water and Spirit.

• Make your relationship with God your highest priority.

• Recognize the worth of the kingdom and embrace it at all costs.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO