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
