In Mt. 13:44-46, we find 2 parables that were part of the septuplet Jesus told about the nature of heaven's kingdom. The parables of The Hidden Treasure and The Pearl Of Great Price have many similarities. However, they also have one great difference. First, we'll examine the parables themselves. Then, we'll make some applications to our duties in winning disciples for Christ.

Obviously, both parables center on something of great value, and the undeterred efforts of those involved to obtain it. Both the anonymous man as well as the unknown merchant knew the value of what they had found. The treasure found by the man in his plowing was so rich that he immediately stopped his labors to concentrate solely on obtaining the field - no matter what it would cost. Likewise, the merchant spared nothing when at last he found the "perfect pearl." In both parables, they "sold all." Imagine the ridicule they must have endured from others who told them how stupid they were for giving up all they owned for just 1 thing. Does this not remind us of Jesus' own words in Lk. 14:26-33? Jesus would not have us disillusioned. It absolutely is "all or nothing" when it comes to following Him as Lord and Master.

Yet, there is one glaring difference in these 2 little stories. Notice the man in v. 44 was not looking for treasure; he was simply going about life's mundane chores and happened upon something valuable. By contrast, the merchant in vv. 45-46 was definitely on a quest - a quest that defined him. Nothing in life meant more to him than finding the great pearl. These differences aside, both men are alike in that once they found each respective treasure, nothing else in life would ever matter as much as that 1 important treasure.

For those of us who have already found our "treasure," these parables can still mean something. Where do you think we'll find "good prospects" for heaven's kingdom? We'll find some who will be like the woman at the well in Jn. 4...busy about life's usual duties until they stumble upon something too good to be true. Or, we'll come across people like the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, or Cornelius in Acts 10...eagerly in search of truth that will lead them closer to that treasure with God. Our task is to be ready to help them unearth their "priceless possession."