Church History: That of the treasure hid in the field.
Previously he had compared the kingdom of heaven to small things. In this parable and the next he represents it as of great value in itself, and of great advantage to those who embrace it, and are willing to come up to its terms; it is likened to a treasure hid in the field. From this we learn:
1. Jesus Christ is the true Treasure; in him there is an abundance of all that which is rich and useful, and will be a portion for us: all fullness (Colossians 1:19; John 1:16): treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3), of righteousness, grace, and peace; these are laid up for us in Christ; and, if we have an interest in him, it is all our own.
2. The gospel is the field in which this treasure is hid; it is hid in the word of the gospel, both the Old-Testament and the New-Testament gospel. In gospel ordinances it is hid as the milk in the breast, the marrow in the bone, the manna in the dew, the water in the well (Isaiah 12:3), the honey in the honey-comb. It is hid, not in a garden enclosed, or a spring shut up, but in a field, an open field; whoever will, let him come, and search the scriptures; let him dig in this field (Proverbs 2:4); and whatever royal mines we find, they are all our own, if we take the right course.
3. It is a great thing to discover the treasure hid in this field, and the unspeakable value of it; The reason why so many slight the gospel, and will not be at the expense, and run the hazard, of entertaining it, is because they look only upon the surface of the field, and judge by that, and so see no Excellency in the Christian institutes above those of the philosophers; nay, the richest mines are often in grounds that appear most barren; and therefore they will not so much as bid for the field, much less come up to the price. What is thy beloved more than another beloved? What is the Bible more than other good books? The gospel of Christ more than Plato's philosophy, or Confucius's morals: but those who have searched the scriptures, so as in them to find Christ and eternal life (John 5:39), have discovered such a treasure in this field as makes it infinitely more valuable.
4. Those that discern this treasure in the field, and value it correctly; This will never be easy until they have made it their own upon any terms. He that has found this treasure, hides it, which denotes a holy jealousy, lest we come short (Hebrews 4:1), looking diligently (Hebrews 12:15), lest Satan come between us and it. He rejoices in it, though as yet the bargain be not made; he is glad there is such a bargain to be had, and that he is in a fair way to have an interest in Christ; that the matter is in treaty: their hearts may rejoice, who are yet but seeking the Lord, Psalms105:3. He resolves to buy this field: those who embrace what the gospel offers, upon gospel terms, they buy this field; they make it their own, for the sake of the unseen treasure in it. It is Christ in the gospel that we are to have an eye toward; we need not go up to heaven, but Christ in the word is close to us. And so intent he is upon it, that he sells all to buy this field: those who would have saving benefit by Christ, must be willing to part with all that they may make it sure to themselves; must count everything but loss, that they may win Christ, and be found in him.
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