July 2, 2023
We are moving into a new series for the summer and we are calling it “Short Stories by the Savior.” Jesus often spoke in parables.
In this parable Jesus talks about how we should develop our value system. In other words what do we value the most? What are we placing our value in?
A "parable" is a story that serves as an example, presenting a well-known concept right alongside an unfamiliar one in a way that helps people understand the unfamiliar idea. When the story is told there are certain parts that are similar or comparable to the key points the storyteller wants to drive home.
The question is why? Why did Jesus speak in parables?
One reason is that some of the things Jesus wanted to teach people about where difficult to describe. So he would use things that were in everyday life. He used illustrations that people knew all about.
Stories are powerful and you remember them more than just facts alone. Hollywood knows this, great authors know this, great storytellers know this. They know that you will remember the details of a good story rather than just memorizing facts.
And lastly Jesus spoke in parables because sometimes they were an enigma to the people that we're hearing them. They were meant to be mysterious, they were meant to have a hidden meaning.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
What is the meaning of the first parable? The man found something that was so valuable to him that he was willing to give up everything for it.
What is the meaning of the second parable? The man found something that was so valuable to him that he was willing to give up everything for it.
The two parables have the same meaning. Why does Jesus tell these two parables? Because across all cultures, across all time periods, across all locations, across all levels of success, we assign value to some things. And when we find something of great value we determine that is the thing we will pursue.
]What do YOU value the most?Is it health, wealth, and happiness. Is it fun? Is it your accomplishments? What are you placing more value on than Jesus?
Jesus says that when someone truly gets a hold of the kingdom of heaven. That’s it. They are done messing around with life whims and temporary pleasures. They want Jesus, they don’t want anything else. They are willing to walk away from everything else. Because that’s what Jesus is worth, everything.
