“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” – Matthew 13:45-46
If you’ve embraced Jesus Christ as your Lord, trusting in His sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins, then, congratulations, you’re a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven! Are you living like one? Are you enjoying the ongoing eternal benefits and responsibilities that come with being a Kingdom citizen?
Jesus tells this brief parable to emphasize the overwhelming, glorious value of being a citizen of God’s Kingdom here on earth. Do you think of your Kingdom citizenship as a precious treasure? Do you recognize what you already have in Christ? Do you rejoice at the opportunity to work with Jesus to advance His Kingdom here on earth by proclaiming good news to those far from God, blessing those in deep need, encouraging those in despair, and ministering to the sick, disabled, imprisoned, vulnerable, and oppressed?
In this parable, Jesus says the proper response to having access to the greatest treasure imaginable is to get rid of the merely good things you had before so you can focus on the best thing. You are called to go ”all in” for His Kingdom. Have you? Is following Jesus, sharing the Gospel, and ministering to those who suffer your absolutely top priority and greatest joy in life? Or is it merely one of many good things you’ve got going on?
Jesus calls and empowers each of His followers to live a life of tremendous Kingdom significance. However, to really live and fully enjoy that life, we must give up other things which are merely “good” that consume our time, energy, and imagination. Have you given up everything Jesus is calling you to give up to truly live a Kingdom life?