It’s Good News!
Matthew 13:44-52 reveals four truths about the good news of Jesus Christ. First, salvation is hidden from most—“Like treasure hidden in a field.” (v. 44) The Kingdom of God is of great value to those who embrace it
and who come to it on the King’s terms. Jesus is the treasure; the field is the gospel. Why is it that so many don’t embrace the good news of the Kingdom? They only look on the edge of the field and won’t look deeper where the reality of Jesus Christ is found. He is no more than one of many philosophers. The Bible is no more than one of many books. Yet, the gospel is much more than the philosophy of Plato; it is much more than the morals of Confucius. The good news is eternal life in Jesus Christ. Second, salvation is worth all we have—“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.” (vv. 45-46) Jesus is the Pearl who makes a person rich toward God! The true Christian is the one who finds the pearl of great price and after realizing its worth, won’t settle for anything less! Third, salvation is spread by the gospel—“Like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.” (v. 47) The world is like that sea, and like the large and small fish, there are many lost people in need of salvation. Preaching the gospel is like casting a net to catch them. Fourth, salvation is shared with others—“Like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” (v. 52) A Christian’s treasure, a Christian’s furniture is new and old things; old experiences and new observations. The purpose of the furniture is to benefit others. Many Christians get blessed, but don’t share. Many have a talent but bury it. They have and enjoy it, but no one else benefits from what God has placed in their stewardship: the gospel; spiritual truth.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
