You are the Hidden Treasure
by Mike Romero
Have you ever wondered why Jesus taught using parables? In Matthew 13, we are told that Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill Scripture, specifically Psalm 78:2. If you look at Psalm 78, parables are used to reveal truth. In fact, verse 4 of Psalm 78 says, “We will not hide them from their children but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord and his might and the wonders that he has done.” In other words, the parables are revealing Christ and the work of the Lord to us.
Often, it seems like parables are a mystery. In Matthew 13, we even see the disciples and people struggling with the meaning of some of Jesus’ words. Fortunately, Christ is eternally patient. He doesn’t get upset with the disciples but instead sits the disciples down and provides the interpretive key. You see, Jesus understands Psalm 78 and the proper use of the parables. The parables exist to tell us about the nature and glory of the Kingdom of God.
After explaining the parable of the weeds to the disciples, Matthew records two very short parables to see if we get it. Matthew 13:44-46 says, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
My question is what do these three verses teach? I have a note in my Bible next to that passage that says, “Salvation is worth everything I have.” I believe that is true. However, that isn’t the point of the parable. I have heard teachers/preachers of this passage say it means we should sacrifice everything to find God. We should do everything we can to get the “pearl of great price.”
We have this unquenchable desire to make everything about us, including our salvation. We twist passages of Scripture to make them about us, and what we should or ought or must to do. Fortunately, gratefully, thankfully, this isn’t the point of Matthew 13:44-46. Read it again. Verse 44 begins, “The kingdom of heaven is like.” Let me assure you, the kingdom of heaven is not like you working for your own salvation.
Who is it that gave up everything to come down to earth to save you? Who is it that gave up perfection and perfect fellowship within the Trinity? Who is it that gave His very life to save you? The answer of course is Christ. The person in the parables that gives up everything to buy the field with the hidden treasure or to purchase the pearl of great price is Jesus. It isn’t you, and you should be grateful. You couldn’t afford it, ever.
Instead, you are the treasure buried in the field, you are the pearl of great price. These parables reflect Jesus, and what He sacrificed to gain you. Rejoice and praise God that He was willing to give up everything so that you can have eternal life. The Kingdom of Heaven is like Jesus coming down, living the perfect life, dying on the cross, resurrecting on the third day and then ascending to Heaven. All of this is for you.
Author Bio
Mike Romero is Vice President, Relationship Manager with Heritage Trust Company in Oklahoma City. Prior to this he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer at the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma (WatersEdge). Mike started his legal career in the Tax & Estate Planning practice group at McAfee & Taft. Mike and his family have been members at Council Road since 2008, where he enjoys teaching and participating in missions. He is currently one of the church’s trustees.