Matthew 13:44-52

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” vs. 44

Jesus in this little parable appears to sanction what seems to be a shady real estate transaction. The treasure belonged to the owner of the field. For someone to stumble across it, hide it again, and then go buy the property doesn’t seem ethical. If we were studying this verse in a class we could likely have a good debate about the issue–something just doesn’t seem right. 

Of course that’s not the point of the parable at all. Jesus isn’t talking about the morality of the man’s actions. He’s really lifting up the incredible value of kingdom living. The spiritual value of knowing Jesus is more valuable than all of our possessions. The man joyfully gave up all he had in order to possess the hidden treasure.

This is not a popular message for our times. We have convinced ourselves that material prosperity is the highest value that anyone could imagine. Our greatest heroes, the celebrities and politicians that we admire the most, are the people who have dedicated themselves to winning the accumulation game. And even if we don’t aspire to have billions, inside we do admire people who have “struck it rich.”

And once we’ve gotten “stuff” we are surely reluctant to give any of it up, especially if the joy of giving is our only reward!

Thought for the Day:  What is the joy of selling?