Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like 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.”
During the time of Jesus, the people are used to hiding their treasures in case of raids from their enemies or theft. Therefore, the treasure does not belong to the person who found it. He cannot go off and tell others that he had found such a treasure because the owner would claim it. This is why he hid the treasure. After he had bought the land, he still cannot openly tell others about the treasure. He can only stop others from entering his land.
The treasure is the Kingdom of Heaven. Who is the real owner of this treasure? It has to be God our Father. This treasure will be given to us when we decide to empty ourselves of everything else. The treasure cannot be contained in our hearts if there are other things that are occupying it, even if it occupies a small portion of our hearts.
Are you willing to let go of everything? This would be difficult if we do not recognise the value of the Kingdom of Heaven as a true treasure. When the person in the parable sells, he sells everything. What does he have to live on if he sold everything and used that money to buy the field? Even if he farmed that field, he would not be able to live off its produce for a few months.
Does the Kingdom of Heaven mean that much to you? How far are you willing to go to discover this treasure?
In Kings 3:5, 7-12, Solomon sought to have a discerning heart to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong. He was seeking with a mind to protect God’s people and not himself. His treasure was the people of God and God Himself.
Jesus in all His glory and fullness is the treasure. The things that take up most of my time, energy, and focus reveal to me what my treasure is.
By Elizabeth Ng