2026 Reading Plan Reflections - Day 19

Reflecting on the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, N. T. Wright offers a helpful lens: "These parables challenge us at two levels—understanding and action. Understanding without action is sterile; action without understanding is exhausting and useless"(Matthew for Everyone, Volume 1: 117).

That pairing matters.

Because these parables aren’t sentimental stories about finding something nice. They confront us with a hard question: do we actually understand what it means to give up everything else for the thing of greatest value?

That question connects more closely than we might expect to another one people often ask: Why does a good God allow bad things to happen?

Part of the answer may be uncomfortable. Swift and decisive judgment sounds appealing—until it’s applied to us. Most of us are grateful God is patient, merciful, and slow to act. We just struggle when that same mercy is extended to others. We don’t get to have it both ways.

The kingdom of God is not about clinging to what feels safe or familiar. It’s about recognizing true value when it’s right in front of us—and responding accordingly. The man in the field and the merchant with the pearl don’t hesitate. They act decisively because they understand what they’ve found.

The real question is whether we will.

Will we release what gives temporary comfort and joy in order to receive what lasts? Will we give all we have to reflect the light of God in the world? Or will we settle for lesser treasures and call it wisdom?

Name your treasure. What currently holds the most weight in your decisions, time, or energy?
Ask for clarity. Pray for understanding before action—so obedience flows from conviction, not guilt.
Practice release. Identify one thing you’re holding tightly and intentionally loosen your grip this week.
Choose the better thing. When faced with a decision, ask: Does this move me closer to the kingdom—or just keep me comfortable?