February 21 – 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." – Matthew 13:44 (KJV)

Without the kingdom of God, we are lost and without hope in this world. Yet, salvation has been made available to us through faith in Jesus Christ. He is the true treasure, and when the distractions of this world are set aside, we can discern His infinite value.

The divinity of Christ was like a hidden treasure. At times during His life on earth, His divine nature shone through His humanity, revealing His true character. The God of Heaven testified of His unity with the Son. At His baptism, the heavens opened, and the glory of God, in the form of a dove shining like polished gold, descended upon the Savior. A voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17, KJV). Yet, the very nation to whom Christ came, though professing to be God’s chosen people, failed to recognize the heavenly treasure in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Majesty of Heaven was not discerned beneath the veil of humanity. He was the divine Teacher sent from God, the glorious treasure given to mankind. He was more beautiful than the children of men, yet His incomparable glory was hidden beneath the garments of poverty and suffering. Christ veiled His majesty so that divinity could come into close contact with humanity, but many failed to recognize the immeasurable treasure before them.

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14, KJV). The treasure was indeed hidden in the form of humanity. Christ is the source of unsearchable riches, and whoever finds Him finds Heaven itself. The one who fixes their eyes upon Jesus, who lingers in faith upon His matchless beauty, discovers the eternal treasure.

Christ did not use this parable to praise the man who buried the treasure until he could purchase the field. Rather, He sought to impress upon our minds the immense value of spiritual things. If a person would sacrifice everything to obtain worldly wealth, how much more should we be willing to give for the priceless treasure of Heaven!