Key Scripture:
Matthew 13:45–46
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Before you begin:
- Get your bible/phone, notes, hot chocolate or tea and get ready to dive into the word with your family.
- Text/Call your friends to join the zoom call if you don’t see them online.
- Comment on your different groups on what you are learning as the bible study is going on.
1. Opening Session (5 minutes)
Welcome & Opening Prayer
Icebreaker Questions: (Rapid Responses)
- What are some things people today invest the most time, energy, and money in?
- Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to recognize what truly matters?
- When you hear the phrase “Nothing compares”, what comes to mind spiritually?
2. Scripture Reading & Context – Understanding the Parable (10 minutes)
Read: Matthew 13:45–46
Text Highlights
- The merchant was actively searching—this was intentional.
- He recognized value because he understood what he was looking for.
- His response was immediate, joyful, and total.
Discussion Questions
- What stands out to you about the merchant in this parable?
- Why is it important that he was searching and not just stumbling upon the pearl?
- What does his willingness to sell everything tell us about how he viewed the kingdom?
3. The Supreme Worth of the Kingdom (15 minutes)
3.1. The Kingdom Is of Incomparable Value
- The pearl outweighed every other possession.
- God’s kingdom is eternal; earthly things are temporary.
- What we value determines how we live.
đź“– Supporting Scriptures: Matthew 6:33; Philippians 3:8
Discussion Questions
- How do we sometimes treat God’s kingdom as important but not supreme?
- What earthly things most often compete with God for first place in our lives?
- How can we tell what we truly value based on our daily choices?
3.2. Full Commitment Is Required
The merchant didn’t negotiate – he surrendered everything.Commitment to Christ involves letting go, not holding on.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Jesus often connects the kingdom with sacrifice?
- What makes “selling all” difficult in modern Christian living?
- What does wholehearted commitment to God look like practically?
4. Living for What Truly Matters (15 minutes)
Crown, Service, and Responsibility
- A crown is not a reward for service, but empowerment for service.
- A crown represents authority, responsibility, legitimacy, and duty.
- In God’s kingdom, leadership begins with serving.
📖 Key Scripture: Matthew 20:26–28
Discussion Questions
- How does seeing a crown as responsibility change how we view leadership?
- Why is a servant’s heart necessary for carrying spiritual authority?
- In what ways can service reveal whether we are truly living for God’s kingdom?
5. Personal Reflection & Application – Counting the Cost (10 minutes)
Study Emphasis
- Living for what truly matters requires honest self-examination.
- God often asks us to release good things to gain greater things.
Reflection Questions
- What is your “pearl of great price” right now?
- What might God be asking you to let go of in order to pursue His kingdom more fully?
- How can you intentionally serve God and others with greater commitment?
6. Closing & Prayer (5 minutes)
Key Takeaways
Nothing compares to the value of God’s kingdom.True devotion leads to joyful surrender.Living for what truly matters means seeking, serving, and committing fully.
Closing Questions
- What is one change you feel led to make after this study?
- How can we encourage one another to stay committed to what truly matters?
Closing Prayer
- Pray for hearts fully devoted to Christ.
- Ask for grace to release distractions and embrace responsibility.
- Pray for servant hearts empowered to serve faithfully in God’s kingdom.