TRANSLATION MATTHEW 13: 44

The Rule of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a person found and concealed. Then in delight she went and sold all she had and bought that field.

Again, the Rule of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found a very valuable pearl he went and sold all he had and bought it.

These parables rest on the truth that the Rule of God is obviously desirable, so that the finders are ready to give all their wealth to possess it. No sacrifice will be too great, because the Rule brings complete joy. We are used to interpretations which emphasise that the true disciple ought to be ready for such sacrifice. But that is wrong: the true disciple is overcome with the joy of God’s rule and gladly sets everything else aside. The parable holds out examples where everyone will admit that the finders’ behaviour is rational and beneficial to them.

At the same time we should not ignore the parables’ application to Jesus himself. He like these finders has found the Rule of God and throws away his business and safety to enjoy (and share) what he has found. This is the joy which will take him to his death.

Indeed the parables can even apply to God, who has found that the creative joy of his /her persuasive influence in the world, is worth the extraordinary expense of divine love.