What's Better Than Buried Treasure?

By Denise Trio

“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. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”—Matthew 13:44–46 (NIV)

Okay, I’ve got a confession. I like reality television. I really enjoy watching those shows about people bidding on abandoned storage units or when they climb over and through junk in old buildings in search of that antique and then see them total up the value of what they bought. There’s something about the hunt for treasure that piques my curiosity, and I know I’m not alone because there are so many shows about it! Think about how many books and movies follow this storyline, too. We love to see the hero search and overcome many obstacles to find the treasure. In today’s two short parables, we see that storyline.

In the first, we see a man who found a treasure buried in a field. In ancient times, it was common to bury treasure in a field because there were no banks to keep treasure safe. This man finds the treasure and is full of joy. He then sells everything to buy that field because all that he has doesn’t compare to the treasure in the field. The treasure is worth more.

In the second, we have a merchant who is searching for pearls. Pearls were the most costly and beautiful of all possessions at that time. So the merchant who finds this one pearl, of great price, is willing to sell everything he had to buy it. The pearl is worth more.

Put yourself in the shoes of these main characters. What is the value of everything you have? If you total the cost of all of your possessions, your bank account, your house, your car, your clothes, your furniture, even the device you’re reading this on, everything is probably worth tens, if not hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars. Imagine selling it all for these treasures that are worth so much more.

Jesus isn’t telling these parables to instruct us to sell everything we have to enter the kingdom. He’s also not telling us that the kingdom of heaven can be bought with money or that we’ll be filthy rich when we enter the kingdom. He’s telling us a story about Himself. Jesus is the man who gave up everything He had for the treasure in the field. Jesus is the merchant who searched for a pearl of great price and found it and bought it.

What’s so valuable that Jesus would give up everything to acquire it forever? You (and me)!

He loves us so much and values us so much that He emptied Himself and became obedient to death on a cross (Philippians 2:6–8). He knew we had a debt we could never repay, and He was willing to give up everything to pay it for us in order to have us forever. He made a way for us to be invited and welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. And, He did it with joy (Hebrews 12:2).

The next time you’re feeling down on yourself, remember that you’re more valuable than buried treasure and pearls.

Pause: What do these parables teach you about God? What do they teach you about yourself?

Practice: What’s something you value? Maybe it’s your dog, your family, your house, your memory book, or a piece of jewelry from your grandmother. Look at the thing that you value, and remind yourself that Jesus values you even more!

Pray: Thank You Jesus for the way You love us. Thank You that You have given us access into the kingdom of heaven. Thank You for valuing me so much that You were willing to die for me. When I’m unsure of my identity, please remind me that I’m worth more than any treasure. Help me to share the invitation to the kingdom of heaven with those around me You love, too! Amen.