Caught Or Not

Caught Or Not

Matthew 13: 44 - 46

Intro: Where do you think the most expensive piece of real estate on the planet is located? - - - Cemeteries. All kinds of treasures are buried there: dreams never pursued, books never written, songs never sung, inventions never pursued, churches never built, trips never taken - - - on and on. Find-an sell parables - - - hidden treasure stories - - - “finders keepers, losers weepers!

I Only in Matthew do we find 7 parables that describe the Kingdom of God. I have chosen 2: the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price.

A In Matthew, “HEAVEN” stands for God and “KINGDOM” represents God’s dynamic activity in the world.

B Treasure in a field – man “finds” it. What was he doing in another man’s field? Was he a hired hand? Did he do the right thing? He could have just kept the treasure!

C Looking for fine pearls – wisdom gained through Torah study was referred to in rabbinic literature as a pearl.

II What is the point of the parables? Why did Matthew put them together with no explanation?

A In one parable we know the man isn’t necessarily searching for treasure. He just finds it. In the other, the merchant is actively searching for the pearl.

B What is the meaning of the parables? What do they have in common?

C The characters in both parables sell all that they have to obtain the treasure and the pearl.

III Imagine for a moment that I am your own magic genie. But, I’m a very frugal genie and instead of giving you the traditional 3 wishes, I’m only going to give you one wish. What would it be? - - - I would wish for more wishes.

A Both people sell all they have to own the treasure and the pearl. - - - Releasing ownership of ALL other possessions leads one to find meaning in a greater joy.

B The kingdom of God commands radical change of life and full commitment.

C Both parables remind us that there is a cost of discipleship. Following Christ Jesus requires giving all we have to that cause.

Concl: What do you long to see or experience? When do we say: “I would give anything or everything to see _____________?

What treasure should the church sell all in joy to possess?

What treasure do you seek? Is that treasure caught or not?

Matthew 6: 21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”