Having told 4 parables to the crowd Jesus now turns to his disciples for 3 parables just for them. Many have given brilliant interpretations of this parable from 2 main standpoints based on who the man is and who the field represents.
Here is the parable:
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. (Matthew 13 v 44)
We all find new discoveries. I’m just asking 5 questions on the most recent discovery?
- What have you discovered that you haven’t told anyone about? ‘treasure’, ‘hid it again’
Often these are discoveries about ourselves, revelatory, directional, prophetic in nature, perhaps too outrageous to be shared.
- Where did you discover it? ‘field’
You didn’t just stumble on this discovery. You have spent time listening to a teaching, reading and contemplating, in discussion with others, in prayer and fasting perhaps and then you discovered.
- How did that discovery make you feel? ‘joy’
Nothing can be compared to the finding of something new. It is like your eyes have opened. You cannot now rest until the application has been implemented.
- Will this discovery cost you and how much? ‘sold all’
Sitting down and to do the sums, to think of the importance of surrender and to do whatever is necessary is the responsibility attached to this discovery. Those who discover pay.
- What change will you need to make because of the discovery? ‘bought the field’
The discovery may lead to change but the greatest change will be to apply that discovery into your life. Others may have to change but you will be the one who will significantly change.
Missions Paul 