Reflection on Matthew 13:36-46.

Scripture

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it.

Observation

Jesus explains the parable of the weeds. Jesus is the farmer who sowed the good seed. The devil is the one who sowed the bad seeds, which represent the people who belong to satan. Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned, so Jesus will remove from his kingdom all who do evil. They will be thrown into the fiery furnace.

The kingdom of heaven is like a man discovering treasure in a field, or a merchant who finds a pearl of great value. In both cases, they sell all they have to possess the prize.

Application

Jesus tells all kinds of parables in order to communicate a deep truth. In this case, the truth is that attaining the kingdom of God is worth more than anything else in the world.

The merchant sold everything in order to obtain the pearl. He knew that despite its high price its true value was even greater. He would give up a lot to get it, but would be able to gain even more.

Many people, even christians, do not understand this. The problem is what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace.” People believe that saying a prayer is enough to get salvation.

In fact, salvation is more than a prayer. True salvation results in a radical reordering of our priorities and desires as we realise just how precious our relationship with Jesus is

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are worth everything to me. Please help me to let go of anything that stands in the way of a deeper walk with you. Amen.