Matthew 13:44 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. ESV
I have listened to sermons on the above passage. In some of the sermons the treasure hidden in the field is you and me. Jesus is the sacrificial purchaser of this treasure which of course he did by shedding his blood on the cross.
Yet another approach was to present it as Jesus being the treasure. Not that we sell all we have to purchase the field but as a demonstration of incalculable worth this salvation is to each and every one of us.
Still another view was that salvation is to be gained by our sacrificial living and being willing to leave all we have to obtain this treasure.
Which one or more do you think is the most accurate understanding(s) of this passage? Why do you think it is the best understanding? Or have you another understanding which you think is better?
4 comments:
Another understanding could be that the gospel is so trustworthy that we should dump everything else, and hedge all our bets on Christ's death and resurrection.
I vote for either the 1st or second interpretation. Probably leaning more towards the 2nd.
Only because I don't think that we are all that valuable. But for some inexplicable reason, God loves us anyway and has decided that He wants us to live with Him forever.
Thank you, St. David for having us think about that wonderful parable and to be reminded of what a treasure Jesus and His gospel for the forgiveness of sins is.
I think it is the first. I think the second kinda lacks something. Who is purchasing the field?
I do like Martin's interp, too. Much like Paul who counted all his training as dung.
How's that for being indecisive?
Thank you for your comments. I think the first one is the proper understanding. This places Jesus at the center of the parable. What a wonderful and comforting thought his wanting us so much that he gave everything to win us.
God's peace. †
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