Parables of Jesus
The Hidden Treasure
Kingdom of Heaven
Read: Matthew:13:44
SeeThe Parable of the Hidden Treasure is a well known parable of Jesus, which appears in Matthew 13:44, and illustrates the great value of the Kingdom of Heaven. It immediately precedes the parable of the Pearl, which has a similar theme. The story indicates that someone has buried a treasure and later died. The current owner of the field is unaware of its existence. The finder, perhaps a farm laborer, is entitled to it, but is unable to conveniently extract it unless he buys the field. For a peasant, such a discovery of treasure would be the ultimate dream.
This parable illustrates the great value of the Kingdom of Heaven, carrying a similar theme to the parable of the pearl. The good fortune reflected in the "finding" reflects a "special privilege,"and a source of joy. Hopwever, it also represents a challenge, as the man in the parable gives up all that he has in order to claim the greater treasure he has found.
John Calvin suggested that the parable "intended to instruct believers to prefer the Kingdom of heaven to the whole world, and therefore to deny themselves and all the desires of the flesh, that nothing may prevent them from obtaining so valuable a possession. We are greatly in need of such a warning; for we are so captivated by the allurements of the world, that eternal life fades from our view; and in consequence of our carnality, the spiritual graces of God are far from being held by us in the estimation which they deserve."
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"The Hidden Treasure"
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