The Parable of the Concealed Treasure
This week we’re uncovering the Parable of the Parable of the Concealed Treasure found in Matthew 13:44. Check out this video as we learn about this week’s Bible study (also available as a podcast!).
This week we’ll be discussing the Parable of the Concealed Treasure in Matthew 13:44.
Parables typically communicate just one point, and this short Parable of the Concealed Treasure is a prime example. Taking up just one verse, Jesus didn’t give His disciples any extra information they didn’t need to know. He simply told them what was necessary to make His point: the Kingdom of Heaven is worth giving up everything to obtain. What an unexpected, bold point Jesus communicated with this parable! While we can often think we will be blessed with riches here on earth when choosing to follow God, Jesus used this parable to help us see that our hearts and motives need to be different. It's not about living for things of this earth, but instead living for the Kingdom of Heaven.
DAY 1 - READ AND REFLECT
Let’s start by reading Matthew 13:44. Re-read it preferably in different translations to get a clearer perspective on what the passage is communicating (Hint: at www.biblehub.com you can see a single verse in many translations).
Keep in mind a parable is a story that parallels a message Jesus was trying to communicate, which would've been more easily understood by the original audience. Without a deep connection to Jewish culture, Jesus’ point is often lost on us. To understand the heart of Jesus’ parables, ask the following questions, and watch as the parables of Jesus come to life!
Who is the audience and how would the original hearer have heard this?
What cultural reference points would the original hearer have known that I miss?
Does the parable have characters and how are they described?
Does the parable have an unexpected ending that highlights the point Jesus was trying to make?
If Jesus were to make this point today, what parable might He tell?
As we jump into our parable, which is only one verse, think critically over every single word that our author uses. As we examine this verse, act as if we are using a microscope. Additionally, think through the imagery used here. Take lots of notes as we dive deeply into the passage!
DAY 2 - KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Today, as we study Matthew 13:44, we’re going to focus in on our first phrase: “The Kingdom of Heaven.”
What comes to your mind when you think of the “Kingdom of Heaven”?
As we READ, a helpful resource in trying to dive deeper into a word’s meaning is a Bible Dictionary*. Let’s look at the meaning of the two words mentioned in our phrase today: Kingdom and Heaven.
Kingdom – denotes sovereignty, royal power, and dominion; the sphere of God’s Rule; viewed in two ways 1) viewed as present and involved suffering for those who enter it, 2) viewed as future and is associated with reward.
Heaven – the eternal dwelling place of God. It can be used in this context as synonymous as “God,” which is why we often see “Kingdom of God” and “Kingdom of Heaven” used interchangeably (see Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:15) The Jewish people, however, were so reverent for the actual name of God that they didn’t like speaking it. Jesus would have known this and spoken this way to communicate with His audience better.
Based on these definitions, how does this change your thinking around the “Kingdom of Heaven”?
Further Reflection: This specific phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” is only used by the AUTHOR of the book of Matthew. The phrase is mentioned throughout the Gospel of Matthew. The largest concentration of uses for this phrase occurs in Matthew 5 (the Beatitudes) and Matthew 13 (in parables). READ these two chapters. What context do these verses give you about the “Kingdom of Heaven” that Jesus was describing?
DAY 3 - A TREASURE HIDDEN
This week we’re studying Matthew 13:44 and today, we are diving into the second part of the verse: “is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up” (ESV). Let’s focus on the word “treasure.”
Jesus talked about treasure earlier in this gospel. Understand the CONTEXT by turning to Matthew 6:19-21. What do you notice about the treasure in these verses? What is the difference between earthly treasure and heavenly treasure?
Looking closely at Matthew 6:21, Jesus communicated something very important that will help us better understand what we treasure. Jesus mentioned that “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (ESV). Think through this verse now and as you go throughout the rest of your day. Meditate on it. Examine yourself: what motivates your heart? Based on what your heart values, how does this show you what you think about eternity and where you’re storing up treasure (here on earth or in heaven)?
The AUTHOR, Matthew, also provided CONTEXT later in his gospel that helps us reflect on that which we treasure. Read Matthew 19:16-22. Why did the rich young ruler walk away sorrowful? What does his sorrow reveal he loved more, God or his possessions?
Earthly treasure can be anything that stands between you and God, anything that you place as a higher priority than God Himself. And it’s not as easy as you might think to identify – that is until it’s taken away. Ask yourself, what can you not live without? What, if taken away, would make you feel lost or insignificant like you had no value?
DAY 4 - GIVING UP EVERYTHING
As we continue studying Matthew 13:44 this week, let’s review the last line “in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (ESV).
Let’s discuss some HISTORY in ancient Jewish culture. If you purchased a parcel of land, everything that was on that piece of land then belonged to you. This is important to see and something that Jesus’ audience would have understood. The Kingdom of Heaven requires you to give up everything that comes between you and God. What was the man in the parable willing to give up to obtain the treasure (the Kingdom of God)?
After the rich young man walked away grieving, as we saw yesterday (Matthew 19:16-22), Jesus continued the conversation with His disciples in Matthew 19:23-30. When followers of Jesus gave up something they valued for the sake of Christ, they will enjoy abundant blessings and the gift of eternal life (Matthew 19:29). Read Matthew 19:30. How does Jesus’ teaching turn what the world values upside down?
What did the man in the Parable of the Concealed Treasure put first in his life? How about the rich young man? How would they respond, if you could ask them today, was it worth it?
DAY 5 - IN HIS JOY
Sometimes what you treasure and tightly hold on to is taken away whether you’re willing to give it up or not! In Hebrews, the early Jewish Christians faced suffering and persecution for their faith that included the confiscation of their property and possessions and their reaction is remarkable! Read Hebrews 10:32-34. What stands out to you about how they reacted to their property being taken away? Where does this suggest they placed their treasure?
Isn’t it remarkable that these early Christians were able to experience joy in the midst of suffering! Be encouraged, you too can know joy in hard times when the eyes of your heart are fixed in the right place. Read Hebrews 12:1-2. On whom should we fix our eyes and why?
Read Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (ESV).
There is a unique connection between our parable and this verse. This verse in Psalm 16 is the “why?” to our “what?” found in Matthew 13:44. The man sells everything he has (worldly possessions, what the world says is valuable) to gain an eternal treasure. Why does he do this? We can find the answer in Psalm 16:11. What words stand out to you in Psalm 16:11? Is this representative of how you view your relationship with God?
Reflecting on these two verses evaluate yourself and take notes on how you can grow in your understanding of the Kingdom of God.
What part of the Parable of the Concealed Treasure in Matthew 13:44 impacted you the most this week?
Contributed by Guest Writer: Ashley Readenour
*Vine, W.E., Unger, Merrill F., and White, William Jr. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1996.
List of Parables
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