One of Jesus’ teaching purposes was to recast our perceptions of value. When we define our treasures, they often involve things with earthly value. Jesus wanted His Kingdom followers to exchange this currency for something that would last beyond this life, into the the life to come.
#1: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
When something captures our imagination we are willing to give all we have to attain it. This is the true nature of the value of the Kingdom. If we see the deep value of the Kingdom, we will do all we can to invest what we currently have into future treasure. This is one of Jesus’ amplifications of value.
#2: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Here Jesus describes what happens when something’s value surpasses what is known. The pearl merchant knew pearls. He knew this one was the best. He was willing to exchange the value of his many pearls for this pearl of great value. This is how Jesus viewed the Kingdom. The life-merchant who sees value in His Kingdom will do what needs to be done to attain it.
#3: “So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The great net is not a pretty picture. But destiny must be weighed in light of what we value in this life, and how this impacts the life to come.
You will find some great Kingdom questions on pages 45-48 in Kingdom: Finding Your True Self. Value drives us, and our heart values for this life must be evaluated in light of our souls. The risk and rewards are simply too great. The King wants us to value His Kingdom!
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Mark 8:36,37