Seek for the Kingdom like seeking for pearls – Day 9

Day 9
Matthew 13:45-46

Step One - Observe

Can you find the sheep that is buying a pearl?  

Sheep merchant buying a beautiful pearl of great price
  • Can you find the goat that does not realize how valuable the pearl is?

What do you think the picture is trying to teach you about the Kingdom of God?

Step Two - Learn

Matthew 13:45-46

Click Here to read Matthew 13:45-46.

  • What one word or idea stood out to you and why?
  • What do you think Jesus is teaching about the Kingdom of God/Heaven?
  • How would you feel if you knew there was $1,000 hidden in this room?
  • Can you feel that way about the Kingdom of God? Why or why not?
  • What is the difference between this lesson and the lesson on Day 4 about the hidden treasure? (NOTE: One just stumbled upon the treasure and the other was looking for treasure/pearls.)
  • How do you think you can better understand the great value of the Kingdom of God?
  • Where do you think you can find the Kingdom of God this week?

 

Suppose you were a child who loved Disneyland and your parents said you could go if YOU bought the tickets. They would not pay for them. After going to Disney’s website you found that two tickets to Disneyland would cost you about $500. Ouch! So you started searching high and low. You scoured the internet for tickets. You emailed people. You called people. You asked around. During your long search you suddenly met someone who was selling two tickets to Disneyland for $10. Since you had done a lot of research you knew they were real tickets and you confirmed you could use them whenever you want. Wouldn’t you buy the tickets? What if $10 was all you had? Would you still buy the tickets? Of course you would! You would joyfully pay $10. Even if you don’t like Disneyland for some reason, you could easily sell the tickets for hundreds of dollars. 

The Kingdom of Heaven is like finding those tickets to Disneyland. Once you learn how valuable the Kingdom of Heaven is you would joyfully sell all you own for it. The more you understand what it is and its great worth the easier it is to sell all you own and the more joy you have in the purchase. The Kingdom of Heaven is sometimes hard to find, but when you find it it, it is like finding great treasure that other people have overlooked. 

Step Three - Pray

Read Matthew 21:28-32 again: 

  • How are you different after reading these verses? 
Prayer:

Dear Jesus, please make me an amazing treasure hunter for your Kingdom my whole life. Help me to learn what your Kingdom is, see it when it shows up and joyfully be willing to pay any price to get it. Help me to bring others along for the adventure! Amen. 

The Upside Down Kingdom - Day 9

Upside Down Kingdom of God - Day 9