“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” Matt 13:44.
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field, and to get the treasure too. By the treasure hid in the field, is understood to be, Christ, and the grace of the gospel, and the way to life and salvation therein discovered. Anyone, that is thoroughly convinced of the worth and excellency of Christ's grace, will part with all that he has to purchase and obtain it. Few men understand how great the riches of the kingdom of heaven are, and that no man can be a partaker of them but he that redeems them with the loss of all his goods.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field. The kingdom of God within us is a treasure indeed, but a treasure hid from the world, and from the most wise and prudent in it. He that finds this treasure, hides it deep in his heart, and gives up all other happiness for it. Jesus Christ is the true Treasure; in Him there is an abundance of all that is rich and useful, and will be a portion for us: all fulness Col 1:19; John 1:16, treasures of wisdom and knowledge Col 2:3, of righteousness, grace, and peace; these are laid up for us in Christ; and, if we have an interest in Him, it is all our own.
Matt 6:21; Pro 16:16; Pro17:16; Pro18:1; John 6:35; Rom 15:4 1Cor 2:9,10; Col3:3,4,16.
Treasure hid in a field The gospel is the field in which this treasure is hid: it is hid in the word of the gospel, both the Old Testament and the New Testament gospel. In gospel ordinances it is hid as the milk in the breast, the marrow in the bone, the manna in the dew, the water in the well. Isaiah 12:3, the honey in the honey-comb. It is hid, not in a garden enclosed, or a spring shut up, but in a field, an open field; whoever will, let Him come, and search the scriptures; let him dig in this field Pro 2:2-4; and whatever royal mines we find, they are all our own, if we take the right course.
the which when a man hath found, it is a great thing to discover the treasure hid in this field, and the unspeakable value of it.
The reason why so many slight the gospel, and will not take the time to search it is because they look only upon the surface of the field, and judge by that, and so see no difference between Christianity and philosophy; but the richest mines are often in grounds that appear most barren; and therefore, they will not so much as bid for the field, much less come up to the price. But the Bible is more than other good books. Those who have searched the scriptures, so as in them to find Christ and eternal life John 5:39, have discovered such a treasure in this field that makes it infinitely more valuable.
He hideth. That is, he conceals the fact that he has found it; he does not tell of it. He that has found this treasure, hides it, which denotes a holy jealousy, lest we come short Heb 4:1, looking diligently Heb 12:15, lest Satan come between us and it. Those who discern this treasure in the field, and value it aright, will never be easy till they have made it their own upon any terms. With a view of obtaining this, Jesus, says that a man would go and sell his property, and buy the field. This is a case, where a man would actually sacrifice his property, and practise diligence and watchfulness, to obtain it. The point of the parable lies in his earnestness, his anxiety, his care, and his obtaining it. The gospel is valuable as such a treasure, Ps 19:10; Pro3:13-15.
From most men it is hid. When a man sees it, and hears it, it is his duty to sacrifice all in the way to his obtaining it; and to seek it with the earnestness with which other men seek for gold. The truth often lies buried; it is like rich veins of ore in the sacred Scriptures; it must be searched out with diligence; and it will repay him for all his sacrifices, Luke 14:33; Philp 3:7-9. and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath. Matt 19:21,27,29; Luke 14:33; Luke 18:23; Luke19:6-8; Acts 2:44-47; Acts 4:32-35, Heb 10:34; Heb 11:24-26. and buyeth that field. Pro 23:23; Isaiah 55:1; Rev 3:18. That is, by obtaining possession of the field, he may obtain possession of the treasure in it. He who rightly estimates the value of his soul, will make its salvation his chief concern, and give up whatever prevents his obtaining it.
LESSONS:
1.
That the sinner who will have interest in Christ, and a part in gospel grace, must part with all that he has to purchase and obtain them, even with his goods and lands with his wife and children; for Christ and His grace are a real good, a substantial good, a durable good; He outbids all the offers the world can make, and therefore it is our wisdom to part with all for Him, and especially our sins, dearer to us than all the rest.
2.
That of the treasure hid in the field. Many slight the gospel, because they look only upon the surface of the field. But all who search the Scriptures, so as in them to find Christ and eternal life, John 5:39, will discover such treasure in this field as makes it unspeakably valuable; they make it their own upon any terms. Though nothing can be given as a price for this salvation, yet much must be given up for the sake of it.
CONCLUSION: The kingdom of heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. Ask the Lord now: Lord, help me to search deep into the word of God to discover Christ for my life in the name of Jesus.