Definition of Parable:
Parable
signifies in general a comparison, or a parallel, by which one thing is used to
illustrate another. It is a likeness taken from the sphere of real, or
sensible, or earthly incidents, in order to convey an ideal, or spiritual, or
heavenly meaning. As uttering one thing and signifying something else, it is in
the nature of a riddle and has therefore a light and a dark side, it is
intended to stir curiosity and calls for intelligence in the listener. The
derivation of the Hebrew is unknown.
The Hidden Treasure and
the Pearl of Great Price
Matthew 13:44-46
The kingdom
of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up;
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, who, on
finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Explanation/Meaning:
In a peasant
community the best safe was often the earth.
The man in the parable "went in his joy" to sell everything.
Why? Because he found a treasure worth
possessing above all else he had. He did
not, however, have enough to buy the treasure. Fortunately, he only needed
enough to buy the field. In a similar fashion, God offers his kingdom as
incomparable treasure at a price we can afford! We can't pay the full price for
the life which God gives us; but when we exchange our life for the life which
God offers, we receive a treasure beyond compare. The pearl of great price also
tells us a similar lesson. Pearls in the
ancient world came to represent the supremely valuable. Jesus remarked that one should not cast
pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). Why would a mercant sell everything for a
peerless pearl? No doubt because he was
attracted to what he thought was the greatest treasure he could possess.
Discovering God's kingdom is like stumbling across hidden treasure or finding
the one pearl of great price. When we
discover the kingdom of God we receive the greatest possible treasure -- the
Lord himself. Selling all that we have to obtain this incomparable treasure
could mean many things -- our friends, job, our "style of life", what
we do with our free time. Treasure has a special connection to the heart, the
place of desire and longing, the place of will and focus. The thing we most set
our heart on is our highest treasure. In this parable what does the treasure of
the kingdom refer to? It certainly refers to the kingdom of God in all its
aspects. But in a special way, the Lord himself is the treasure we seek for. If
the Almighty is your gold and your precious silver, then you will delight
yourself in the Almighty (Job 22:22-23). Is the Lord the treasure and delight
of your heart?
"Lord
Jesus, reveal to me the true riches of your kingdom. Help me to set my heart on
you alone as the treasure beyond compare with any other. Free my heart of any
inordinate desires or attachment to other things that I may freely give to you
all that I have in joy and gratitude for all that you have given to me. May I
always find joy and delight in your presence.
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