Laying hold of the true treasure
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle A
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
Jacob the trickster gets tricked. He is smitten with Rachel and agrees with her father, Laban, to work seven years to obtain her hand in marriage. On the wedding night, he gets an unexpected wedding present, Rachel's sister, Leah. Jacob agrees to work another seven years for Rachel because she is the true treasure of his heart.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5, 7--12 (RC); 1 Kings 3:5--12 (E, L)
God appears to Solomon in a dream, telling him to ask for his heart's desire. Solomon recounts a litany of God's blessings to his father and himself. He humbly confesses his inadequacy to lead his people and asks that the Lord give him a wise and understanding heart to discern good from evil. The Lord is pleased with Solomon's request and grants him power and riches, in addition to the wisdom and understanding.
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--39 (C); Romans 8:28--30 (RC, L); Romans 8:26--34 (E)
This lection includes Paul's greatest expression of faith: ''We know that in everything God works together for good to those who love him ...'' (v. 28). The new Christians were facing hardships and persecutions but these evils would be transformed into good. The Spirit of God strengthens the saints in their weakness by lifting to the Lord their unuttered needs (v. 26). Furthermore, the evils of their present experience will be used by God for their ultimate good (vv. 38--39). Angelic and demonic powers, associated with the stars in New Testament time, were even powerless to alienate the believers from their Lord.
Gospel: Matthew 13:31--33, 44--52 (C); Matthew 13:44--52 (RC, L); Matthew 13:31--33, 44--49a (E)
The Gospel continues with the parables of Jesus. Each of them points to a different aspect of the kingdom of God. The Mustard Seed points to the kingdom's small beginnings (vv. 31--32). The Leaven (v. 33) shows how the kingdom can transform the world. Verses 44--46 contain two parables that make a similar point. The kingdom is the hidden treasure or the pearl of exceeding value that the wise person will sell all to possess. The parable of The Dragnet (vv. 47--50) is similar to the parable of The Weeds And The Wheat (vv. 24--30): at the end of earthly existence, God is going to gather the good (his treasure) unto himself and dispose of the evil. The person truly trained in the kingdom will incorporate the new wisdom of Jesus with the treasures from the old covenant (v. 52).
252
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 105:1--11 (C) - ''Seek the Lord and his strength ...'' (v. 4).
Psalm 119:129--136 (RC, E, L) - ''The unfolding of your words gives light ...'' (v. 130).
Prayer Of The Day
Lord Jesus, we have found in you our true treasure. Why then do we strive after that which is clay, rather than eternity's gold? Free us from the pursuit of that which glitters, so that we might obtain the treasure of your kingdom, which is hidden in you. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28
A work of love. Jacob worked 14 years for the hand of Rachel, so great was his love for her. This shows that love is more than a feeling; it is a matter of commitment. In our society we have been conditioned to believe that love is without effort; it just happens. Such is not the case; love is a labor not a labor lost.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5--12
From wisdom to foolishness. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people, but when it comes to matters of the heart and of the state, he didn't rule very wisely. His harem of wives led him to compromises in the worship of God. He imposed heavy taxes, probably due to overexpansion, which later led to the division of the kingdom. Solomon was given the gift of wisdom, but he didn't always use that gift.
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--39
The Spirit's intercession. Paul states that, because of our weakness, the Spirit lifts our needs to God. The picture here seems kind of odd, God in us praying to God above us. We see here the immanence and the transcendence of the Almighty. This is another way of saying that God knows our needs even before we ask; that even when we cannot verbalize our needs, God hears and responds.
Using evil in the service of good. Paul states that ''in everything God works for good with those who love him ...'' (v. 28). This shows God's power. He takes the garbage that life throws our way, and recycles it into something good. This is far different from saying that everything that happens to us is good, nor is it the same as saying that everything will turn out for the good for everyone. Note the qualifying phrase: ''for those who love him.''
The eternal bond. Paul eloquently makes one of the greatest affirmations of all times to the effect that absolutely nothing can separate us from God's love (vv. 38--39). Nothing in this world or the next, nothing in the realm of human or even demonic powers can pry us loose from the Lord's loving embrace. If we really hold to this affirmation, we have a shining hope even in the darkest hours.
Gospel: Matthew 13:44--52
Treasure. Who hasn't dreamed of finding a fabulous treasure? The lure of treasure prompts people to enter contests and sweepstakes. Publishers' Clearing House ads appeal to that fantasy by highlighting the reaction of a family who has just won millions of dollars. They are delirious with joy. Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is the ultimate treasure. The first parable (v. 44) tells of a man who accidentally found a treasure buried in a field. He goes home and sells everything that he has so that he might purchase that field. His discovery was a serendipity, something valuable he surprisingly discovered in the process of doing something else. For many, the kingdom is not a treasure we have sought and found but that which has fallen in our laps by virtue of birth and baptism and God's grace.
253
The next parable (vv. 45--46) features a merchant in search of the perfect pearl, the pearl of great price. When he finds it, he too sells all that he has in order to purchase that one pearl. For this man, the treasure was the result of diligent searching. Jesus taught: ''Seek and you shall find ...'' Contrary to the first parable, where the treasure finder had no point of comparison, this merchant had seen plenty of pearls and chose this one above all the others. The first man intuitively recognized the value of his treasure, while the second was convinced of its worth by shopping around.
Old and new treasure. In verses 51--52, Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is composed of treasure old and new. The wise person resembles the scribe that Jesus mentions; he or she integrates the treasure of the Old Testament with the new teaching of Jesus.
God gathers his treasure. The parable of The Dragnet (vv. 47--50) seems out of place. This parable of judgment would fit better with the parable of the Weeds and the Wheat. However, there is a connection. Jesus teaches that at the end of time God will gather his treasure to himself, by receiving those who are his own and discarding the rest.
PREACHING APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28
Sermon Title: Keeping Your Focus
Sermon Angle: When Jacob woke up on his wedding morning with Leah rather than Rachel, he must have been more than a little surprised and upset. Some men might have said, ''Forget it! I'm not going to work another seven years for Rachel,'' and then stormed off. But he loved her and she alone was the prize that he sought. Jacob kept his focus not on the seven years of additional labor or the injustice of his father--in--law but the beloved.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5--12
Sermon Title: The Test Of Wisdom
Sermon Angle: When God appeared to Solomon in the dream and told him that he could ask for whatever he desired, Solomon confessed that God had given him a monumental task as king, for which he was not equal. Solomon admitted to being a little child (v. 7). This was a modest way of saying that he was not wise enough to wear the mantle of leadership. He asks for a wise and discerning mind that he might know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. God was pleased with this request. Solomon had already passed the wisdom test. He knew that he didn't know very much and that he required the Spirit of God within him if he were to rule justly. The wise person realizes the limits of his knowledge. That the young Solomon realized his inadequacies testifies to his youthful wisdom.
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--39
Sermon Title: Hope For Weaklings
Sermon Angle: Most young boys desire to be strong and virile. When I was a boy, I read an ad in a comic book for the Charles Atlas body building course. The ad pictured a scrawny little runt of a guy being humiliated by larger males, who were throwing sand in his face. The caption read: ''I was a 97--pound weakling.'' The next panel showed this same boy, a virile package of rippling muscles, being adored by a coterie of lovely girls. I never had the money to send for the course but I still remember its appeal. Paul says that the Spirit helps us in our weakness (v. 26). We all experience weakness, whether we're young or old, male or female. God doesn't help us by turning us into a muscle--bound brute but by lending us his strength.
254
Those of you who have witnessed a loved one die of cancer know of its debilitating weakness. One of the hardest things for me was to observe the helplessness of my once strong dad. He couldn't stand up or sit up by himself. He couldn't go to the bathroom and so he had to be changed like a baby. Such weakness drives home our human creatureliness and weakness. We are utterly dependent on God for life and strength. There are many circumstances that we cannot control. These are times to let go and let God. ''The Spirit helps us in our weakness ...''
Sermon Title: Sentence Overturned
Sermon Angle: Paul raises an interesting question: ''If God is for us, who can be against us?'' (v. 31). Let me name a few possibilities. Other people can be against us. Our conscience can be against us. God's law can testify against us. Of course, what the apostle is getting at is that it doesn't matter who is against us, if God is our advocate. God has declared us not guilty because of Christ; our sentence of guilty has been overturned.
Outline:
1. Do you ever feel that the world is against you?
2. You may have done things to cause others to be against you
3. Circumstances may make it seem the world is against you
4. Christ has acquitted you - your sentence is over--turned (v. 33)
5. Christ intercedes for you
I just saw a show on television about a young man by the name of Kevin who had been drunk and killed a young woman. He was given a rather unique sentence. Every Friday, for the next 18 years, he was required to write a check to this girl's parents. This sentence kept the memory of his offense fresh in his mind, which it was intended to do. Some folks thought that he was let off too leniently, that he should have been sentenced to prison. But which is really the harsher punishment: to serve a year for your offense and then try to pick up the pieces of your life, or to be reminded for the next 18 years that you have killed another human being?
Gospel: Matthew 13:44--52
Sermon Title: The Cost Of Buried Treasure
Sermon Angle: In Jesus' parable, the man who found the buried treasure sold everything that he had, so that he might buy the field where the treasure was hidden. The treasure cost him everything that he possessed. That same message was communicated to the rich young ruler, whom Jesus told to sell all that he possessed give it to the poor, and then come and follow him. Christ also warned: ''He who would come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.'' The treasure of the kingdom doesn't come cheaply.
Outline:
1. The man in the parable sold everything to buy the field of treasure
2. If a person values something highly, she will sacrifice for it
3. The kingdom of God is our treasure
4. Are you willing to give all to possess it?
Mel Fisher is a man who has not only sought but found a fortune in buried treasure. In 1963, Mel staked all his worldly resources on a gamble. He sold everything and brought his family and crew to Florida, in search of some incredibly rich Spanish ships that were lost in storms. These vessels contained tons of gold and silver. The partners in this venture, called Treasure Salvors, Inc., agreed to work without pay for a year or until they found treasure. Near the end of the year, he struck pay dirt, as he began to uncover a treasure trove of Spanish coins. After the supply of coins dropped off, he set out to find one of the richest vessels ever to go down in the Caribbean, the Atocha. Thousands of silver and gold coins, ingots, bronze cannons, and other treasure were found.
255
All was not sweetness and light, however, not for very long, anyway. The Fisher family had to pay a high price for their buried treasure. Their fabulous find did not lead to instant wealth. The state of Florida laid claim to the treasure and so the Fishers became embroiled in years of costly litigation. But that wasn't the worst of it. One night, there was a terrible accident. The boat that they were sleeping in quietly began to take on water, listed and suddenly capsized. Dirk Fisher, his wife Angel, and another crewman were trapped below, where they drowned. Mel Fisher's search for buried treasure cost him dearly. Yet Fisher has no regret.
How is it that a person comes to possess the treasure of the kingdom? The parable of the Buried Treasure and the parable of the Pearl of Surpassing Worth present two sides of the question. In the first parable, the man stumbled across the treasure buried in the field. It appears to be blind luck, from a human vantage point, though God's hand was certainly involved. Many of us come into the kingdom in this fashion. We haven't searched out the kingdom. We did not lay claim to it through blood, sweat and tears. It was given to us. Many of us were raised in Christian homes where we came into possession of the treasure of the kingdom of Christ at an early age. Others do not come to faith so easily. They are seekers and pilgrims. They want to believe, to know the truth, but for them it is a struggle. These folks are like the merchant searching for the perfect pearl. He kept on searching until he found it.
These two ways of coming into possession of the treasure of the kingdom are really two sides of the same coin. The man who stumbled upon the hidden treasure exemplifies grace - the kingdom is a gift. The merchant who was seeking the pearl of great price, portrays the reality of faith - we must desire the kingdom of Christ above all else. On the one hand, God finds us and offers us the treasure of his grace. On the other hand, we must have the faith to recognize and accept the treasure as our highest good, forsaking all else to possess it.
Sermon Title: Blended Treasure
Sermon Angle: Christ did not come to do away with the treasure of the Old Testament. Christ makes that clear in verses 51--52. There is much there of surpassing worth. A Christian is one who should see the treasure of the new covenant as a fulfillment of the treasure of old. An Old Testament scribe, who has accepted the treasure of Christ, integrates the old treasure with the new. In the same way, the church is a repository of things old and new. We must draw on both.
256
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
Jacob the trickster gets tricked. He is smitten with Rachel and agrees with her father, Laban, to work seven years to obtain her hand in marriage. On the wedding night, he gets an unexpected wedding present, Rachel's sister, Leah. Jacob agrees to work another seven years for Rachel because she is the true treasure of his heart.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5, 7--12 (RC); 1 Kings 3:5--12 (E, L)
God appears to Solomon in a dream, telling him to ask for his heart's desire. Solomon recounts a litany of God's blessings to his father and himself. He humbly confesses his inadequacy to lead his people and asks that the Lord give him a wise and understanding heart to discern good from evil. The Lord is pleased with Solomon's request and grants him power and riches, in addition to the wisdom and understanding.
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--39 (C); Romans 8:28--30 (RC, L); Romans 8:26--34 (E)
This lection includes Paul's greatest expression of faith: ''We know that in everything God works together for good to those who love him ...'' (v. 28). The new Christians were facing hardships and persecutions but these evils would be transformed into good. The Spirit of God strengthens the saints in their weakness by lifting to the Lord their unuttered needs (v. 26). Furthermore, the evils of their present experience will be used by God for their ultimate good (vv. 38--39). Angelic and demonic powers, associated with the stars in New Testament time, were even powerless to alienate the believers from their Lord.
Gospel: Matthew 13:31--33, 44--52 (C); Matthew 13:44--52 (RC, L); Matthew 13:31--33, 44--49a (E)
The Gospel continues with the parables of Jesus. Each of them points to a different aspect of the kingdom of God. The Mustard Seed points to the kingdom's small beginnings (vv. 31--32). The Leaven (v. 33) shows how the kingdom can transform the world. Verses 44--46 contain two parables that make a similar point. The kingdom is the hidden treasure or the pearl of exceeding value that the wise person will sell all to possess. The parable of The Dragnet (vv. 47--50) is similar to the parable of The Weeds And The Wheat (vv. 24--30): at the end of earthly existence, God is going to gather the good (his treasure) unto himself and dispose of the evil. The person truly trained in the kingdom will incorporate the new wisdom of Jesus with the treasures from the old covenant (v. 52).
252
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 105:1--11 (C) - ''Seek the Lord and his strength ...'' (v. 4).
Psalm 119:129--136 (RC, E, L) - ''The unfolding of your words gives light ...'' (v. 130).
Prayer Of The Day
Lord Jesus, we have found in you our true treasure. Why then do we strive after that which is clay, rather than eternity's gold? Free us from the pursuit of that which glitters, so that we might obtain the treasure of your kingdom, which is hidden in you. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28
A work of love. Jacob worked 14 years for the hand of Rachel, so great was his love for her. This shows that love is more than a feeling; it is a matter of commitment. In our society we have been conditioned to believe that love is without effort; it just happens. Such is not the case; love is a labor not a labor lost.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5--12
From wisdom to foolishness. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people, but when it comes to matters of the heart and of the state, he didn't rule very wisely. His harem of wives led him to compromises in the worship of God. He imposed heavy taxes, probably due to overexpansion, which later led to the division of the kingdom. Solomon was given the gift of wisdom, but he didn't always use that gift.
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--39
The Spirit's intercession. Paul states that, because of our weakness, the Spirit lifts our needs to God. The picture here seems kind of odd, God in us praying to God above us. We see here the immanence and the transcendence of the Almighty. This is another way of saying that God knows our needs even before we ask; that even when we cannot verbalize our needs, God hears and responds.
Using evil in the service of good. Paul states that ''in everything God works for good with those who love him ...'' (v. 28). This shows God's power. He takes the garbage that life throws our way, and recycles it into something good. This is far different from saying that everything that happens to us is good, nor is it the same as saying that everything will turn out for the good for everyone. Note the qualifying phrase: ''for those who love him.''
The eternal bond. Paul eloquently makes one of the greatest affirmations of all times to the effect that absolutely nothing can separate us from God's love (vv. 38--39). Nothing in this world or the next, nothing in the realm of human or even demonic powers can pry us loose from the Lord's loving embrace. If we really hold to this affirmation, we have a shining hope even in the darkest hours.
Gospel: Matthew 13:44--52
Treasure. Who hasn't dreamed of finding a fabulous treasure? The lure of treasure prompts people to enter contests and sweepstakes. Publishers' Clearing House ads appeal to that fantasy by highlighting the reaction of a family who has just won millions of dollars. They are delirious with joy. Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is the ultimate treasure. The first parable (v. 44) tells of a man who accidentally found a treasure buried in a field. He goes home and sells everything that he has so that he might purchase that field. His discovery was a serendipity, something valuable he surprisingly discovered in the process of doing something else. For many, the kingdom is not a treasure we have sought and found but that which has fallen in our laps by virtue of birth and baptism and God's grace.
253
The next parable (vv. 45--46) features a merchant in search of the perfect pearl, the pearl of great price. When he finds it, he too sells all that he has in order to purchase that one pearl. For this man, the treasure was the result of diligent searching. Jesus taught: ''Seek and you shall find ...'' Contrary to the first parable, where the treasure finder had no point of comparison, this merchant had seen plenty of pearls and chose this one above all the others. The first man intuitively recognized the value of his treasure, while the second was convinced of its worth by shopping around.
Old and new treasure. In verses 51--52, Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is composed of treasure old and new. The wise person resembles the scribe that Jesus mentions; he or she integrates the treasure of the Old Testament with the new teaching of Jesus.
God gathers his treasure. The parable of The Dragnet (vv. 47--50) seems out of place. This parable of judgment would fit better with the parable of the Weeds and the Wheat. However, there is a connection. Jesus teaches that at the end of time God will gather his treasure to himself, by receiving those who are his own and discarding the rest.
PREACHING APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28
Sermon Title: Keeping Your Focus
Sermon Angle: When Jacob woke up on his wedding morning with Leah rather than Rachel, he must have been more than a little surprised and upset. Some men might have said, ''Forget it! I'm not going to work another seven years for Rachel,'' and then stormed off. But he loved her and she alone was the prize that he sought. Jacob kept his focus not on the seven years of additional labor or the injustice of his father--in--law but the beloved.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5--12
Sermon Title: The Test Of Wisdom
Sermon Angle: When God appeared to Solomon in the dream and told him that he could ask for whatever he desired, Solomon confessed that God had given him a monumental task as king, for which he was not equal. Solomon admitted to being a little child (v. 7). This was a modest way of saying that he was not wise enough to wear the mantle of leadership. He asks for a wise and discerning mind that he might know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. God was pleased with this request. Solomon had already passed the wisdom test. He knew that he didn't know very much and that he required the Spirit of God within him if he were to rule justly. The wise person realizes the limits of his knowledge. That the young Solomon realized his inadequacies testifies to his youthful wisdom.
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--39
Sermon Title: Hope For Weaklings
Sermon Angle: Most young boys desire to be strong and virile. When I was a boy, I read an ad in a comic book for the Charles Atlas body building course. The ad pictured a scrawny little runt of a guy being humiliated by larger males, who were throwing sand in his face. The caption read: ''I was a 97--pound weakling.'' The next panel showed this same boy, a virile package of rippling muscles, being adored by a coterie of lovely girls. I never had the money to send for the course but I still remember its appeal. Paul says that the Spirit helps us in our weakness (v. 26). We all experience weakness, whether we're young or old, male or female. God doesn't help us by turning us into a muscle--bound brute but by lending us his strength.
254
Those of you who have witnessed a loved one die of cancer know of its debilitating weakness. One of the hardest things for me was to observe the helplessness of my once strong dad. He couldn't stand up or sit up by himself. He couldn't go to the bathroom and so he had to be changed like a baby. Such weakness drives home our human creatureliness and weakness. We are utterly dependent on God for life and strength. There are many circumstances that we cannot control. These are times to let go and let God. ''The Spirit helps us in our weakness ...''
Sermon Title: Sentence Overturned
Sermon Angle: Paul raises an interesting question: ''If God is for us, who can be against us?'' (v. 31). Let me name a few possibilities. Other people can be against us. Our conscience can be against us. God's law can testify against us. Of course, what the apostle is getting at is that it doesn't matter who is against us, if God is our advocate. God has declared us not guilty because of Christ; our sentence of guilty has been overturned.
Outline:
1. Do you ever feel that the world is against you?
2. You may have done things to cause others to be against you
3. Circumstances may make it seem the world is against you
4. Christ has acquitted you - your sentence is over--turned (v. 33)
5. Christ intercedes for you
I just saw a show on television about a young man by the name of Kevin who had been drunk and killed a young woman. He was given a rather unique sentence. Every Friday, for the next 18 years, he was required to write a check to this girl's parents. This sentence kept the memory of his offense fresh in his mind, which it was intended to do. Some folks thought that he was let off too leniently, that he should have been sentenced to prison. But which is really the harsher punishment: to serve a year for your offense and then try to pick up the pieces of your life, or to be reminded for the next 18 years that you have killed another human being?
Gospel: Matthew 13:44--52
Sermon Title: The Cost Of Buried Treasure
Sermon Angle: In Jesus' parable, the man who found the buried treasure sold everything that he had, so that he might buy the field where the treasure was hidden. The treasure cost him everything that he possessed. That same message was communicated to the rich young ruler, whom Jesus told to sell all that he possessed give it to the poor, and then come and follow him. Christ also warned: ''He who would come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.'' The treasure of the kingdom doesn't come cheaply.
Outline:
1. The man in the parable sold everything to buy the field of treasure
2. If a person values something highly, she will sacrifice for it
3. The kingdom of God is our treasure
4. Are you willing to give all to possess it?
Mel Fisher is a man who has not only sought but found a fortune in buried treasure. In 1963, Mel staked all his worldly resources on a gamble. He sold everything and brought his family and crew to Florida, in search of some incredibly rich Spanish ships that were lost in storms. These vessels contained tons of gold and silver. The partners in this venture, called Treasure Salvors, Inc., agreed to work without pay for a year or until they found treasure. Near the end of the year, he struck pay dirt, as he began to uncover a treasure trove of Spanish coins. After the supply of coins dropped off, he set out to find one of the richest vessels ever to go down in the Caribbean, the Atocha. Thousands of silver and gold coins, ingots, bronze cannons, and other treasure were found.
255
All was not sweetness and light, however, not for very long, anyway. The Fisher family had to pay a high price for their buried treasure. Their fabulous find did not lead to instant wealth. The state of Florida laid claim to the treasure and so the Fishers became embroiled in years of costly litigation. But that wasn't the worst of it. One night, there was a terrible accident. The boat that they were sleeping in quietly began to take on water, listed and suddenly capsized. Dirk Fisher, his wife Angel, and another crewman were trapped below, where they drowned. Mel Fisher's search for buried treasure cost him dearly. Yet Fisher has no regret.
How is it that a person comes to possess the treasure of the kingdom? The parable of the Buried Treasure and the parable of the Pearl of Surpassing Worth present two sides of the question. In the first parable, the man stumbled across the treasure buried in the field. It appears to be blind luck, from a human vantage point, though God's hand was certainly involved. Many of us come into the kingdom in this fashion. We haven't searched out the kingdom. We did not lay claim to it through blood, sweat and tears. It was given to us. Many of us were raised in Christian homes where we came into possession of the treasure of the kingdom of Christ at an early age. Others do not come to faith so easily. They are seekers and pilgrims. They want to believe, to know the truth, but for them it is a struggle. These folks are like the merchant searching for the perfect pearl. He kept on searching until he found it.
These two ways of coming into possession of the treasure of the kingdom are really two sides of the same coin. The man who stumbled upon the hidden treasure exemplifies grace - the kingdom is a gift. The merchant who was seeking the pearl of great price, portrays the reality of faith - we must desire the kingdom of Christ above all else. On the one hand, God finds us and offers us the treasure of his grace. On the other hand, we must have the faith to recognize and accept the treasure as our highest good, forsaking all else to possess it.
Sermon Title: Blended Treasure
Sermon Angle: Christ did not come to do away with the treasure of the Old Testament. Christ makes that clear in verses 51--52. There is much there of surpassing worth. A Christian is one who should see the treasure of the new covenant as a fulfillment of the treasure of old. An Old Testament scribe, who has accepted the treasure of Christ, integrates the old treasure with the new. In the same way, the church is a repository of things old and new. We must draw on both.
256
