Introduction

Good morning, Church. Today, we're going to dive deep into a couple of verses that might be familiar to many of you, but perhaps you haven't thought about them in the way we're going to explore today. These verses speak of treasure, of value, and of joy. They're found in Matthew 13:44-46, and they go like this:

"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."

Can you imagine that? Finding something of such inestimable value that you'd give up everything just to obtain it? It's a powerful image and one that Jesus used to describe the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Joy of Finding

The joy of finding a hidden treasure is a concept that is deeply embedded in our human psyche. We see it in the eyes of children on a scavenger hunt, in the thrill of an archaeologist uncovering an ancient artifact, and in the delight of a collector discovering a rare piece. This joy is not merely about the material value of the treasure, but rather, it's about the exhilaration of the discovery, the satisfaction of the search, and the profound sense of fulfillment that comes from finding something of great worth.

The parable: A man stumbles upon a hidden treasure in a field. His discovery is unexpected, a surprise that brings him immense joy. This joy is a reflection of the delight we experience when we discover the Kingdom of Heaven. Often, our discovery of God's kingdom is unexpected. It might come in a moment of crisis, in a time of deep reflection, or in the midst of ordinary life. Regardless of how it happens, the discovery of God's kingdom brings a profound joy that surpasses all understanding. It's a joy that springs from the realization of having found something of inestimable worth, something that gives meaning, purpose, and direction to our lives.

Not just the initial discovery: It's also about the ongoing process of uncovering the depths of this treasure. The Kingdom of Heaven is not a static entity. It's dynamic, alive, and constantly revealing new facets of its beauty, love, and grace. As we grow in our relationship with God, we continually discover new aspects of His kingdom. Each new revelation brings with it a fresh wave of joy, a renewed sense of awe at the richness of the treasure we've found.

Linked to the joy of sharing: When the man in the parable found the treasure, he couldn't keep it to himself. He had to go and sell all he had to buy the field. In the same way, when we discover the Kingdom of Heaven, we can't keep it to ourselves. The joy of our discovery compels us to share it with others. We want them to experience the same joy, the same sense of fulfillment, the same profound transformation that we've experienced. The joy of finding, therefore, is not just a personal experience, but a communal one. It's a joy that spreads, that impacts others, that changes communities and transforms the world.

Permeates every aspect of our lives: It's a joy that gives us a new perspective, a new purpose, and a new passion. It's a joy that sustains us in times of trial, strengthens us in times of weakness, and inspires us in times of discouragement. It's a joy that is rooted not in our circumstances, but in the unchanging, unfailing, and unending love of God.

The Cost of Obtaining

The cost of obtaining the hidden treasure, as illustrated in the parables, is a concept that may seem daunting at first glance ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO