The Great Treasure Hunt

[Jesus said] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44 ESV).

 

The reading today is most often called “the Parable of the Hidden Treasure.” John Calvin writes of this parable: “… the kingdom of heaven is like a hidden treasure. We commonly set a high value on what is visible, and therefore the new and spiritual life, which is held out to us in the Gospel, is little esteemed by us, because it is hidden, and lies in hope. There is the highest appropriateness in comparing it to a treasure, the value of which is in no degree diminished, though it may be buried in the earth, and withdrawn from the eyes of men. These words teach us, that we ought not to estimate the riches of the grace of God according to the views of our flesh, or according to their outward display, but in the same manner as a treasure, though it be hidden, is preferred to a vain appearance of wealth.”

 

In every life stage we learn to ask questions and seek understanding to be “successful.” In school we ask questions when we don’t understand. At work we gain experience and learn to do our jobs well. To own a home, we figure out how mortgages and interest rates affect our finances. It seems intuitive to seek wisdom in every area of our lives, and yet we often ignore the wisdom of God. Maybe that’s why Jesus compares it to a hidden treasure.” We are called to actively search for insight and wisdom from God so that we can know the Lord.

 

Scripture urges us to make the knowledge of God the most important knowledge that we can gain—more important than any other type of insight or wisdom. The knowledge of God and his wisdom help us see everything else more clearly. By the wisdom of God, we have greater wisdom and insight to do our tasks here on earth with a kingdom focus.

 

In the coming days we will look at some practical ways to seek this treasure… I hope you will join me on this great “treasure hunt”!