I hope you are having a blessed week, knowing that you are God’s treasured possession.
In Matthew 13:44-45, Jesus tells the same parable twice, using slightly different images. He says, "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.” (Mat 13:44-46 NIV)
I have often heard theses parables explained in such a way that God had hidden His kingdom in this world, and when we find it we are to be ready to give up everything to get the kingdom of heaven. That is biblical idea. Jesus calls us to, “seek first the kingdom of God,” and to value him above everything in this world. However, I have become convinced that Jesus is not talking in those terms here. Let me explain why.
Over the last three weeks we have read parables in Matthew 13 that focused on what God is doing in the world. One said that the kingdom of heaven is like a man scattering seed that falls on different kinds of soil. Jesus states plainly that He is the man. Another parable said that the kingdom of heaven is like a man who planted wheat in field and his enemy planted weeds (darnel grass, aka “cheat”) in that field to ruin his crop. Again Jesus explains that the owner of the field is God. Then he tells the next two “the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-like” parables that are quoted above.
What if God is the one doing the finding? He is the one doing the purchasing, giving His greatest possession in order to seal the transaction. “God so love the world that he gave His only begotten Son . . . .”
That would make the treasure you. The pearl of great value; that’s you, too.
God sought you out. He paid the price to have you as His own, “to live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness . . . .” (Small Catechism, 2nd Article)
Your value to God is great, and that means that your value in this world is great, too. You are God’s priceless treasure, on display so that all people can know that God treasures them, also. You are meant to be seen as a forgiven, redeemed person so everyone can know God wants and treasures them.
Display the treasure of God’s love and forgiveness in your life. Do not be quieted. Know your value by looking at the cross, and remember that for the glory set before Him, Jesus endured the cross, scorned its shame, and claimed you as His own.
Be the treasure.
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