The Hidden Treasure and The Pearl of Great Price
Jesus, the great teacher, uses these two images today to explain and make us understand the Kingdom of God in simple and easy language. He says: "The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."
These images tell us how great, precious, and somehow hidden the kingdom of God is which invites us always to seek and sell whatever we have to obtain this great treasure. The two persons who found the hidden treasure and the pearl respectively did not even think of stealing it but went and sold everything in order to purchase it. The kingdom of God is not obtained by any easy means without sacrifice, we have to work for it, and when we have obtained it, we have nothing more we need.
The precious treasure: The Kingdom of God is a precious treasure that we should always desire to get because in it are every virtue, happiness and eternal life. What else do we need apart from these. The Gospel tells us that it is hidden. It is hidden not in a sense that God doesn't want us to discover it but in a sense that we should put our efforts in finding it. We all know that something precious is not easy to get and has to be kept in a very safe place. Whoever finds it has found God. However, finding this treasure has only one easy way which is following Jesus and believing in Him.
The pearl of great price: The Kingdom of God is like a pearl of great price. Pearls in the ancient world came to represent the supremely valuable. Jesus remarked that one should not cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). That's why a merchant would sell everything to get it. No doubt because he was attracted to what he thought was the greatest treasure he could possess. Discovering God's kingdom is like stumbling across hidden treasure or finding the one pearl of great price.
Selling all that we have to obtain this incomparable treasure could mean many things - our friends, job, our "style of life", what we do with our free time. Treasure has a special connection to the heart, the place of desire and longing, the place of will and focus. The thing we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. In this parable what does the treasure of the kingdom refer to? It certainly refers to the kingdom of God in all its aspects. But in a special way, the Lord himself is the treasure we seek for. If the Almighty is your gold and your precious silver, then you will delight yourself in the Almighty (Job 22:22- 23). Is the Lord the treasure and delight of your heart?
Reflect today on what your precious treasure is. Is it the kingdom of God that will enable you to have everlasting life? Is it obtaining the everlasting kingdom virtues? Where does your heart incline to always? Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you as you prioritize treasures in your life.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, reveal to me the true riches of your kingdom. Help me to set my heart on you alone as the treasure beyond compare with any other. Free my heart of any inordinate desires or attachment to other things that I may freely give to you all that I have in joy and gratitude for all that you have given to me. May I always find joy and delight in your presence. Amen
Be blessed
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