True Treasure
Bible in a Year: Isaiah 23-25; Philippians 1
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. Matthew 13:44
Today's Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46
Insight
The two parables in Matthew 13:44-46 appear amid the telling of several parables on the kingdom of heaven (vv. 1-52). After Jesus told the first parable of the sower (vv. 3-9), His disciples asked why He always spoke in parables (v. 10). His answer was telling: “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them” (v. 11). He told the disciples, “Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear” (v. 16). Then He explained the parable (vv. 18-23). The disciples desired to know the true meaning of Christ’s words, and their desire was rewarded. They’d left everything to follow Him. In essence, they were living out the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl (vv. 44-46). They’d found the true treasure because they were receptive to the gospel. When we place our faith in Jesus, we receive the free gift of eternal life with Him—the true treasure of heaven.
For further study, feel free to browse through our resources at the store: Reclaim Today Guide - Ecclesiastes
James threw a long rope with a powerful magnet tied to it into the waters of a New York lake. The “magnet fisher” was stunned when he pulled out a grimy safe filled with stacks of muddy one-hundred-dollar bills. Police said James could keep the money since it wasn’t linked to a crime. Some of the bills were in such poor condition they couldn’t be authenticated, though he hoped to salvage as much of the money as possible to perhaps buy a home.
Finding hidden treasure is exciting, and Jesus told a parable about a man who did just that: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44). The man recognized the value of the treasure he’d found and was willing to sell all his possessions to purchase the field.
As we consider that parable, no amount of wealth or possessions could pay the debt we owe for our sins. Only Jesus could pay the incredible price to redeem us and to reconcile us with His Father, through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Earthly treasures may be nice, but they can be lost, stolen, or destroyed. We can gratefully accept Jesus’ supreme sacrifice for us and His free gift of eternal life, knowing that living in heaven with Him is our great reward.
Reflect & Pray
Why is Jesus so precious to you? Why are you willing to let go of your old life to spend eternity with Him?
Dear Jesus, thank You for giving me the true treasure of heaven when I placed my faith and trust in You.