THE HIDDEN TREASURE

MATTHEW 13:44

This parable consists of one verse and yet there’s a powerful lesson given therein. The problem is that quite a few people over the years have misinterpreted this parable and thus changed the whole meaning. Let us once more use our Bibles and the brains the good Lord gave us and rightly divide the Word of Truth!

I. THE POPULAR EXPLANATION

1. The treasure in the field is Jesus

2. The man is the sinner

3. The man gives everything to find Christ

Now at first hearing that may sound pretty good. But the fact is it’s about as far off as it can be. The Devil doesn’t want men to understand the Gospel. II Cor. 4:3-6. So what’s wrong with this view? Let’s look at:

II. THE PROBLEMS EXPOSED

1. Jesus is not hidden! (Mt. 5:14-16, Jn. 8:12, 1:4-9)

2. Men are to herald, not hide, the Saviour (Mt. 28:19-20, Ps. 107:2)

3. Men do not buy salvation (Eph. 2:8-9)

III. THE PARABLE EXPLAINED

1. The field is the world (Mt. 13:38)

2. The man is the Saviour (Mt. 13:24, 37)

3. The redeemed are the treasure (Eph. 1:12-14, Acts 20:28)

-Note the joy involved (Mt. 13:44, Heb. 12:2)

-Note the price paid was all that He had (I Pet. 1:18-19, Eph. 5:25-27)