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The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Six): The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Hidden Treasure, found in Matthew 13:44, is part of the final set of parables Jesus spoke only to His disciples, revealing the inner characteristics of His church and its preparation for the coming Kingdom of God. This parable depicts the preciousness of God's elect, portraying them as a treasure of such value that they must be hidden. The field represents the world, and the treasure symbolizes the members of the church, who are lost prior to their calling, then found by God, and hidden again in the world. The man in the parable, representing Christ, hides His newfound treasure by sending the called back into the world, where they are camouflaged by their physical similarity to it, yet are radically different spiritually, set apart by God's truth. Christ, in His joy, sells all He has to buy the field, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice of His life for His church, demonstrating the genuineness of His self-sacrifice and His elation in redeeming His treasure. As the Savior, He found this special treasure in the world, gave His all to call and redeem it, and now owns and protects it through sanctification, hiding it from the world.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 3): Hidden Treasure
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the Parable of the Hidden Treasure, as presented in Matthew 13:44, a man discovers a treasure hidden in a field, and with great joy, he sells all that he has to buy that field. In this context, the man represents Christ, and the field symbolizes the world. The treasure, understood metaphorically, signifies the church, which is hidden in the world. Before being called, the church was hidden in plain sight, indistinguishable from the world due to shared sins and trespasses. Once found by Christ, He hides the church again, sending it back into the world, not as part of it, but as those set apart by His truth. Though outwardly similar to the world, the church is internally transformed and often unrecognized unless matters of truth arise. Christ, with joy, gives everything, even His own blood, to purchase the field, redeeming the world to secure His treasure. The lesson of this parable is that our Lord and Savior, finding the treasure of His elect in the world, conceals and protects them against all threats, redeeming them with joy through His sacrifice. This should inspire great confidence in our spiritual battles, knowing that the greatest battle has been won, and we are hidden and sanctified by His truth.
What Is Christ's Hidden Treasure?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe parables of the leaven and the treasure hidden in the field show two sides of the same coin. The hidden treasure is the God-given solution to the leaven.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part One): Introduction
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMatthew 13 contains more parables than any other chapter in the Gospels. They are related in theme and organized to teach Christians specific lessons.

God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Three): Hidden Treasure
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn Matthew 13, the hidden treasure the man finds provides the spiritual solution to the leaven - corruption - the woman hides in the three measures of meal.

God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Four): The Pearl, the Dragnet, and the Householder
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeJesus' parables of the Pearl of Great Price, the Dragnet, and the Householder resolve the problems raised in their corresponding earlier parables.
Supreme Permanence and Value
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsOur offerings must reflect the radiance of Christ. Only God can assess the quality of light in the precious stones He has called.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If we really considered or believed in our hearts that our calling was truly a treasure, we would take extraordinary steps to prevent any loss of it.
Are We Opening the Door?
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsSome know that Christ is at the door, but they will not rouse themselves from their spiritual lethargy to open it.