What's Your Worth?

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. Matthew 13:44 (ESV)

Some people have difficulty weighing worth. Some don't. Like the guy who said, “One loyal friend is worth more than a thousand relatives.” Well...maybe not.

This parable of Jesus has been misinterpreted by many over the years. I misinterpreted it, too. The kingdom of heaven is God's kingdom.  Easy enough. I believed the man in the parable represented the Church and the hidden treasure was the Lord Jesus Christ. But if one keeps this chapter in context Jesus gives the answer in verse 38 where He speaks of the field being the world.

Most of us carry a very poor concept of our own worth. There could be many reasons why. But even in that God has always seen as both precious and filled with inherent worth.

When God manifested Himself in the flesh (John 1:14), the kingdom of heaven (God) was revealed in Him. So, if the field is the world then who is the man? The one who gave everything to purchase all can only be Jesus Christ. Jesus paid our debt from sin, becoming, in His own words, a ransom for many (Mark 10:45) and satisfying God's wrath against it (Romans 5:9). The final question remains; who then, is the treasure? It is His Church. It is you.

If you have asked Christ to rule in your heart you can be sure the kingdom of heaven has come to you. Your worth to God means you are that great treasure He gave all to purchase as His very own. He knows your worth. He always has. You are the one Christ paid His all to gain. In your great worth He esteemed you above His own life. When you weigh your worth in the kingdom of heaven you will find it is beyond price.

Ken