Mat_13:44. Parable of the Hidden Treasure
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found he hideth, and for joy thereof, goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field."’97Mat_13:44.
Here, the Redeemer is illustrating the nature of his kingdom, and the blessings of his gospel, by a great variety of beautiful and interesting metaphors; and these metaphors are as simple and familiar, as they are beautiful and interesting. He refers to the grain of mustard-seed’97to the leaven’97to the fisherman and his net; and in the text to hidden treasure, &c. Notice,
I. In what Sense the Blessings of the Gospel may be likened to a Treasure.
The idea of a treasure is often presented to us in the Holy Scriptures. Paul speaks of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. "This treasure we have in earthen vessels," &c. Now, earthly treasure enables its possessor to supply his temporal wants, and is supposed to elevate to a more honorable station in society. Gospel treasure really and truly confers these advantages. In the gospel there is a full supply of all our need. The bread of life. The robe of salvation. "A balsam for our every wound," &c. It confers moral dignity upon its possessor. See Solomon’s account, Pro_4:7-9. Now, his treasure,
1. Is divine and heavenly.
Not a gross metal dug out of the earth., this is light from above, wisdom from above. A river that flows from the midst of the throne of God and the Lamb. Being heavenly, moth and rust do not corrupt it, nor can thieves break through and steal it.
2. It is spiritual treasure.
Not such as the rich worldling had Adapted to the nature and powers of the mind; "Why spend your money," &c. Isa_55:2.
3. It is satisfying treasure.
Temporal treasure cannot satisfy’97fills with anxieties and tears. This removes want, appeases the anxieties of the mind, &c. "The Lord is my portion," &c.
4. It is everlasting.
A man gathers riches, but he may lose them; at death he leaves all behind. "We brought nothing into this world," &c. Now, this he shall retain in death, judgment, and eternity. "I know that safe with him remains, protected by his power," &c. Durable riches, of righteousness.
II. In what Respects these Riches were hidden.
They were hid,
1. In the counsels of God before the foundation of the world.
Eph_3:9-11; Col_1:26.
2. They were hidden under the shadows and types of the ancient dispensations.
Col_2:17; Heb_10:1.
3. These treasures are still hidden in the gospel to those who remain in unbelief.
You had the Scriptures and the gospel, but you were ignorant of the treasure they contained. Now, here is a sort of paradox. The gospel is a revelation. Yet, sight is as necessary as light, to discern objects. Blindness is the condition of all men Lord, open thou mine eyes that I may see wondrous things out of thy law.
III. The Description of the Manner in which these Treasures are possessed.
1. The gospel is received.
"Buyeth the field." We cannot give an equivalent. No real price to give. But we are called to buy, "Without money and without price." But still, we cannot have the gospel field, without giving up our imaginary riches, self-esteem self righteousness; love of the world; evil associates, and principles, and practices. We must, in fact, surrender all. Be shipwrecked, before the life-boat of the gospel will receive us. Jesus says, forsake all and follow me. We must be insolvents before he will enrich us.
2 The possession of this treasure produceth joy.
The conversion of the soul is the most exalted ground of joy. He says, I was in a horrible pit, &c. I was poor, naked, blind, condemned, perishing. Now, I am on the rock of eternal ages. Now, I am clothed, rich, have eye-sight, am justified. The penitent sows in tears, but reaps in joy. He mourns, but is comforted. He has had appointed unto him, "The oil of joy for mourning," &c. He says, "The Lord was angry with me," &c.
3. He lays this treasure up and secureth it.
This treasure, through carelessness, may be lost; therefore, he is to watch and hold fast. Satan and the world will try to rob him. But he is not to sell the truth. To take care that no one seize his crown.
Application
1. Invite the spiritually poor to be rich. How easy the mode’97how precious the treasure.
2. Urge believers to increase in spiritual riches. Dig in the field. One vast mine. O explore it. It is invaluable’97eternally inexhaustible.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS