Most of the “Words of Christ” devotionals on Darkened Glass Reflections are taken from the Daily Office readings in the Book of Common Prayer. However, since over the next few weeks, these readings are from the Sermon on the Mount, which is also the current weekly series on this website, I will occasionally use a passage for a feast day on the church calendar. Today’s verses are for the Feast of St. Matthew.

“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 everything that he has, and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold everything that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:44-46, New American Standard Bible).

In Matthew 13:44-50, Jesus gives three parables of the kingdom of heaven, comparing the kingdom of heaven to three extravagant discoveries or accomplishments that would have seemed familiar to the people of Galilee. They are closely related in their themes. The two parables in Matthew 13:44-46 are very similar.

In verse 44, a man finds a treasure hidden in a field, which apparently belongs to somebody else. Perhaps the man was working for a wealthy landowner. Since he wants the treasure, he sells everything he owns to buy the field. Now, he owns the treasure, along with everything that is connected to it.

In verses 45 and 46, a merchant found one pearl of great value and sold everything he owned so that he could buy it.

In both cases, we find these questions: Will you surrender everything so that you may obtain what God has for you? Are you willing to hold onto your possessions, reputation, hobbies, etc., even if it means missing out on what God wants to give you?

Are you willing to grab hold of everything God is offering you, not just the part that you found most appealing? Many people accept Christ because of one thing that He offers: Healing, deliverance from guilt, or a ticket out of hell. “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). Do you want to have intimate fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, or just an escape from the wages of sin?

God has offered us great and precious promises. Let us do whatever it takes to grab hold of everything He offers.

What are some of the blessings you are seeking from God? Have you discovered extra blessings you were not expecting since you first believed? Share your thoughts below.

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