Deuteronomy 7:6-9; Romans 8:28-39; Matthew 13:44-52

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Scripture is the best teacher. It’s important if we want to learn the things of faith that we study scripture diligently and consistently. However, there are plenty of times where scripture alone isn’t enough for us. A visual or supplement is necessary to grasp what Scripture is teaching.

Such is the case for this week. We have three parables that are never explained by Jesus and may give us some difficulty. But see the image attached. Art and Scripture join together in teaching us something about the contents of faith. This is an artist’s interpretation of the parable of the hidden treasure and one that offers to teach us the meaning of Jesus’ words.

In our Gospel this week, we have a series of three parables. The first two (the hidden treasure and the pearl of great worth) share a common interpretation. A man finds them, sells all that he has, and buys them for himself. It’s common to hear it explained that the treasure or pearl are meant to represent Jesus or the gospel. We, the disciples of Jesus, are the man who sells everything to buy it. It’s meant as an encouragement of the Christian life, the life of sanctification, that we’re to value or treasure Jesus and his word above everything we have.

This is all true indeed. The gospel is of great worth to us, yet we must wonder what we could possibly exchange for it. God has no need for our money or possessions. He doesn’t care for rituals for ritual sake. And we haven’t lived up to his expectations either. We’ve sinned and tarnished our own worth. For you see, in our sinful estate, we have nothing which we could give to God for Jesus, for the gospel. We could sell all that we have, and it still wouldn’t be enough because we’ve sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.

Look back to the picture though. The man who finds the treasure isn’t you. It’s Jesus! Jesus is the one who found treasure and seeks to uncover it. And what does he uncover? It’s you who have been hidden by death and buried in the grave. Jesus is the one who gives everything he has to purchase the field, to redeem you from the grave that he may bestow upon you eternal life! “You are a people holy to the Lord your God,” Deuteronomy 7:6 (see also 1 Peter 2:9). The parable of the treasure and pearl aren’t about you “purchasing” salvation for yourself. It’s about Jesus purchasing you by his own body and blood on the cross! God has made you holy, deemed you holy and worthy of such a great price. And Jesus does it not out of necessity, but in joy! “For the joy that was set before [Jesus, he] endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God,” Hebrews 12:2. It was a joy for the man to sell all that he had and purchase the field, just as Jesus has delighted to give everything for you!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love, that, receiving what You have promised, we may love what You have commanded; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!