Buy the Field
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
Are you someone who likes to go treasure hunting? I’ve seen people with magnetic treasure hunting devices in parks, fields, beaches, and even in backyards searching for hidden treasure. Jesus uses a parable about treasure hunting to expound on important truths about Israel, salvation, and commitment. The picture being presented is about a man who uncovers hidden treasure. He realizes the value of what he has uncovered, but also the potential of much more treasure being available. He sells all that he has to buy the field. Buying the field presents to us the cost associated with something very valuable.
Let us consider the context of the passage.
There are three people who are referred to in this parable. The hidden treasure refers to Israel. The man refers to the Lord Jesus Christ. The field is the world. Israel is called God’s "peculiar treasure" in Exodus 19:5 and Psalm 135:4. God selected them as His chosen people through whom He desired to accomplish His purpose. Israel failed God and became like buried treasure, as far as the world was concerned. Jesus is a seeking Savior according to Luke 19:10. Jesus gave all of Himself in dying for the sins of the whole world. The man joyfully sold all that he had to buy the field. The field is the world. Jesus died for the entire world, which also included Israel. He gave His life for us joyfully. He gave it all so that we could be saved.
Let us consider the commitment in this passage.
The man sold all that he had so that he could gain more. This speaks so wonderfully about how we must give all that we have so that we can have all of Jesus. Salvation is a free gift and does not cost us anything. However, we must be Christians who are willing to give our all so that we can maximize what Jesus wants to do through us. Jesus told the rich young ruler who was reluctant to give up his riches, “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” He told this man he could not have treasure in heaven unless he let go of that which was holding him back. Buying the field speaks of commitment.
Let us consider the calling in this passage.
Let us invest in the kingdom of God. Let’s give our best. Let’s give our all. Let’s invest in missions. Let’s look at the bigger picture. There is more hidden treasure to be found. We must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto us. We must dedicate our bodies to the Lord as living sacrifices. Let’s buy the field! Let’s not pass up the opportunities before us. We have tasted the hidden treasure in Christ. Let us invest even more! Let us put everything on the line joyfully so that we might gain the more.
Are you ready to buy the field? Are you ready to give your best and all? Take time to day to evaluate if you are living in a small-world complex instead of a Christ-world capacity. Go buy the field!
Have a committed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Acts 9-10