Two strands of “spiritual DNA” work their way throughout scripture from the first chapters of Genesis to the climactic chapters of Revelation. The twin ideas of covenant and kingdom capture both the essence of God’s commitment to us and the immense value He places on relationship with us, as well as the call to commit ourselves completely to the mission of God. Jesus captures these ideas together in His parable of the pearl of great price. We are the precious pearl in God’s eyes. But also the call to be His followers requires our total commitment.
Discover
Read Matthew 13.45-46. To help get a good understanding of the passage, try to describe what is happening or being said in your own words. Take a moment to reflect and note down what stands out as important, significant or meaningful to you. What does this passage tell us about God? What does this passage tell us about people? How does this passage change how we live?
Discuss
1. What are the two possible ways to interpret this parable? Discuss.
2. If we are the merchant, what value does God place on seeking Him?
3. How do you refocus when you are going through a challenging life stage? (1 Corinthians 2:9)
4. The missionary Jim Elliot’s said: “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Do you know the reality of this and do you experience this? Discuss.
5. How do you control your drive for money/ambition/fame? (Matthew 16:26) Discuss.
6. What does it mean in your heart and mind to know how precious you are in God’s eyes? (Luke 19:10)
Respond
Amazingly, the one act of the will that produces energy rather than depletes energy is surrender. Surrender actually replenishes our vitality. So try praying a prayer of surrender as you think of it through the day. Something like this: “Father, today I gladly place my life in Your hands…” When I wake up. When I face a decision. When I am in relational conflict. When I am tempted. When I want to give up. When bad habits reappear.