Matthew 13:44

(44) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

Jesus speaks to us using parables so that we have to really meditate on His words to gleen their true meaning. Thoughout the Bible, we see the phrase, "Let those with ears hear and thos with eyes see." In other words, GOD is compelling us to truly understand what HE is saying. Parables forces us to ponder the meanings and eventually arrive at the right one. GOD tried to give us the step by step instructions with the Ten Commandments but we all know how that went, so by giving us puzzles to solve, we may be able to uncover the hidden meanings and thus engrain them in our minds.

For instance, the hidden treasure parable, which is a tough one to decipher, teaches us about Jesus' mission accomplished on earth. The field is the world and we who believe are the hidden treasure. Jesus refers to Himself as "the man" who discovers or unearths the hidden treasure. Instead of taking His treasure to heaven, He hides us back in the world to fulfill our purpose of spreading the gospel. Jesus, the man, sells everything He has to buy the field. This refers to Jesus' sacrifices of glory, life and finally His death and rtesurrection. Through these sacrifices, He purchased the world (the field) and the treasure He hid within. Jesus now owns us and it is our duty to help Him fulfill GOD's wish, which is to gather other treasure to finally enter into GOD's family.

The Bible speaks to us in parables so that we may understand It's wisdom. Wisdom is more valuable than treasure and if we take the time to truly understand GOD's word in scripture, then we will find endless hidden treasure in the pages of the Holy Book.