The Gem Parables

Matt. 13:44-46

 The four parables of the Mustard Seed, the Leaven, the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price could be called the opposite parables since they each have been interpreted in completely opposite ways. Just as the Mustard Seed and Leaven are a pair which combine to make a single point, the same is true of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price. The Mustard Seed and the Leaven are either good news parables that describe the growth and influence of the church or else they are bad news parables that warn the church against the perils of self-importance and corruption. Similarly, the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price are either about the value of the kingdom and the appropriate response to this opportunity or they are about the passion that God has for His church and the sacrifice by which He has made it His own. The parables must be interpreted together whichever way you go. Both interpretive views have value and seem to speak the truth in ways that are needed.

Read more here The Gem Parables