Matthew 13:44-58

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44, NKJV)

Not everyone interprets parables the same way. Some people interpret this parable as the person who stumbles on a treasure in a field is us. The treasure is the kingdom of heaven. When we discover how good this is, then we forsake everything else to obtain it.

The problem with this interpretation is that we have already seen from the parable of the wheat and the tares that the field is the world. Why is the kingdom of heaven hidden in the world? Also, can we really say that we sold everything we had to buy the field where the treasure of the kingdom was buried?

I believe a better interpretation is that the field is the world. Jesus saw the treasure hidden in the world which is us. He sold everything, giving up His eternal glory with the Father, to come into this world and purchase us for Himself. This agrees with other Scriptures.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5–8, ESV)

“Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18–19, ESV)

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals. For You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation and have made us kings and priests to our God. And we shall reign on the earth.’” (Revelation 5:9-10, NKJV)

It is awesome to consider how much Jesus gave up and all that He endured to purchase us for Himself. He redeemed us from being buried in this world to being kings and priests to our God! Now don’t you know that if Jesus gave up so much for us that He will do everything in His power to keep us as His own special treasure? He will not allow anyone to snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28).

“Heavenly Father, thank you for the love of Christ. Thank you, Jesus, that you gave up everything to become like us so that you could save us forever. Since it cost you so much to redeem us, help us to love you and serve you with all our hearts. In your name we pray. Amen.”