The Bible : Matthew

             I. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
             The parables of the gospel of Matthew were devices used by Jesus to indirectly emphasize an aspect of his teachings. They were related in a story telling fashion as to be universal and therefore understandable to all ages and types of people. The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl are one such set that display the qualities of a true parable. These are found in Matthew beginning at 13:44. Both begin with the phrase "The kingdom of heaven is like", pinpointed the story's relation to Christianity.
             The first, the parable of the hidden treasure, relates how a man, strolling in a large field, discovered a glorious hidden treasure. The treasure brought him immense joy and excitement. The man placed the treasure back in its hidden spot as before, and immediately sold all his possessions to amass enough funds to purchase the field in which he made his discovery.
             The second parable speaks of a merchant who sought exceptional pearls. When the man came across the most brilliant pearl he had ever seen, he exchanged all his other belongings and goods for the pearl he adored.
             These parables were coupled together because of the acute likeness in story and message. The first interprets a man who discovers Christianity and the glory of heaven and gives up everything else to have sole devotion to his new finding. His possessions he sold can be seen literally as someone selling their material goods, or also seen as someone rejected all other faiths and pledging dedication to teaching of Jesus. The treasure represents the reward of faith with the entrance into heaven or simply the miracle that is Christianity. Likewise, the pearl the merchant bought represents the same as the hidden treasure. Again, as did the man, the merchant sold all his "goods" to acquire the pearl, showing his solitary dedication to Christianity.
             ...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
The Bible : Matthew. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 04:42, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/82606.html