Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Parable of the Hidden Treasure: Matthew 13:44
The parable of the hidden treasure is the
first of a series of three short parables used by Jesus to describe the
kingdom of heaven.
The other two short parables are:
Parable of the Pearl of Great Value
Parable of the Fishing Net
Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Jesus says, "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." (Matthew 13:44)
Meaning of Parable of the Hidden Treasure
As the story indicates, Jesus is saying that the kingdom of heaven is extremely valuable. Whenever someone discovers the kingdom of God, and realizes the treasure they've found, they sell all that they have to obtain it.
This meaning is similar to Jesus' explanation of the Cost of Discipleship. Jesus gives the example of building a tower, saying, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him." (Luke 14:28-29)
Jesus is essentially saying that those who realize the value of the kingdom of God will give up anything necessary for it, while elsewhere he warns that the cost is high.
Understanding the Parable
Comparing this parable to the Parable of the Sower and Four Soils, just like the word of God (seed) had different outcomes depending on each person's circumstances (four soils), likewise not everyone who comes across the kingdom of God understands what they have found.
If we are walking in a field and trip over a decaying, dirty, wooden box, there are some who may just get frustrated and continue walking. However, there are others who inspect what they have found and discover a great treasure inside.
Those
who discover the treasure, and understand its value, will give up everything to obtain it, which is eternal life. However,
those who are not willing to give up everything for eternal life, probably do not fully understand its value. Eternal life has infinite value, because "For mortals it is impossible" to obtain by our own strength (see Matthew 19:25-26).
The more we investigate this great treasure, the more we will understand its worth.
God's Truth Taught in Stories
Study the parables of Jesus in this easy-to-read 40 day devotional.
This devotional takes the unique approach of
understanding Jesus' parables by examining the genre, scriptural
context, and historical culture. Your life will be transformed by studying the parables of Jesus Christ.
Go to previous parable: The Weeds
Go to next parable: Valuable Pearl
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