Matthew 13:44-46 – Hidden Treasure

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.

Summary: Equating the kingdom of heaven to treasure is a simple sounding theme. However, when we start asking ourselves what the treasure might be, we gain some interesting insights.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

One of the reasons I like this verse is that it seems mysterious to me. Why is the kingdom of heaven like treasure in a field? Why did the man sell everything to buy it?

The next verse is like it:

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13: 45-46)

Perhaps the mystery of these two verses appeals to the kid in me. As an adult, I am not so interested in fields or pearls, but as a kid, these kinds of things held great intrigue for me. Maybe that is partly why? (See Mark 10:15)

Imagine that you have decided to go for a walk in the country. The day is nice, and the weather is warm. You happen along a trail that leads into the woods. On the other side of the woods, the trail continues in two directions. One path leads down the hill and back into the woods. The other, smaller trail, leads across a field.

Never having been this way before, you decide to cross the field and see where the path leads. Shortly, you walk over a rise and see that the field is an unused corner of an old farm. The fences are in need of repair, and the old barn in the distance is falling down. The orchard trees near the old house need pruning.

As you turn to return to the main trail, something catches your eye. An old shed stands nearby almost completely hidden by vines. Curious, you make your way through the brush to peek inside the old building.

Normally, the old building would be dark inside, hiding whatever is there. The floor is obviously unsafe with gaping holes here and there. The windows, such as they are, are gray with dust or broken out. The weathered woods of the walls and door frame look tired. Today, you have arrived at a rare moment. The sunlight is at the perfect angle to illuminate the interior of the shed. To your amazement you see …

What?

What would make you want to run back into town and buy the property so that you could own what was inside the shed?

In the second verse, the example is a fine pearl. What would your “pearl” be? Would it be an old car waiting to be restored? For some guys, this might be their treasure. Would it be plunder from some past bank robbery? Piles of cash strewn about? Perhaps bars of gold and silver coins? For the science fiction fans here it could be a spaceship or a time machine.

What is it that you want more than anything else? What is your treasure?

As we get older, our idea of “treasure” can change. Instead of something of material value, we might sell everything for a different kind of treasure.

How many of us would sell everything we have for a second chance? What about our lost innocence? Remember that? When we were very small? How about hope?

Sometimes people find themselves at the end of their road, wondering how they got there. Life has become a dead end and an army of consequences is right behind. Death, once feared, seems to promise an end to the pain of living.

The treasure in the field is a ray of hope that shines on you bringing the promise of God’s comfort. Jesus stands there with his arms open, inviting you to believe and be saved. All you have to do is give up all of the wants that got you into this hole in the first place. All you have to do is sell everything and buy the field.

Application: Well, what are you waiting for? Sell everything!

Food for Thought: What kind of hope does the kingdom of heaven offer us?