The Parable of the Hidden
Treasure
The Value of
the Kingdom
In Matthew 13:44, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a treasure
hidden in a field. A man found it, recognized its worth, and
joyfully sold all he had to secure it. This parable reminds us that
the kingdom is priceless. Nothing in this life compares to its
value. Many things we cling to must be released if we are to inherit
the greater treasure of eternal life.
Finding the
Treasure Unexpectedly
Unlike the parable of the pearl of great price, this man was not
actively searching. He stumbled upon it. The Bible gives us examples
of people who found the kingdom unexpectedly—Saul of Tarsus on the
road to Damascus, the Philippian jailer at midnight, the Samaritan
woman at the well, and Nathanael when first introduced to Jesus.
Some seek diligently; others are surprised by grace. Either way, the
kingdom remains the ultimate treasure.
The Cost of
the Kingdom
The church, which is the kingdom, was purchased with the blood of
Christ (Acts 20:28). Nothing demonstrates its value more than the
cross. This is the only institution where salvation is found
(Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:13). God planned it from before the
foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Because of this, it cannot
be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). All other kingdoms crumble, but the
kingdom of God is eternal.
Blessings
Within the Kingdom
Romans 14:17 tells us the kingdom is not about physical things but
righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. In Christ there is
no condemnation (Romans 8:1). Only those in the kingdom truly know
the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians
4:6–7). The world may see Christianity as a “crutch,” but as one
preacher said, “Everyone’s limping.” The kingdom is not weakness but
strength, security, and joy beyond the reach of this world.
The Call to
Repentance
To obtain the treasure, the man sold all he had. That is
repentance—giving up what we once valued to gain something
infinitely greater. Repentance is essential to entering the kingdom
(Acts 17:30). Too many cling to worldly treasures—sins, pleasures,
or distractions—because they do not understand the surpassing value
of Christ’s kingdom. To gain the treasure, we must be willing to
surrender everything else.
The Parable of
the Hidden Treasure Sermon Outline:
-
Introduction
-
I. The
Treasure Found Unexpectedly
-
Man was
not seeking, but discovered it
-
Biblical
examples: Saul (Acts 9), Philippian jailer (Acts 16),
Samaritan woman (John 4), Nathanael (John 1)
-
II. The
Cost of the Kingdom
-
Purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28)
-
Planned
before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4)
-
Salvation found only in Christ’s body (Colossians 1:13;
Ephesians 5:23)
-
Eternal
and unshakable (Hebrews 12:28; Daniel 2)
-
III.
The Blessings of the Kingdom
-
Righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17)
-
No
condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1)
-
The
peace of God surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6–7)
-
IV.
Repentance and Surrender
-
Selling
all represents repentance
-
Giving
up lesser treasures to gain the greater treasure
-
Without
repentance, the kingdom cannot be obtained (Acts 17:30)
-
Conclusion
Call to
Action
Will you give up what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose?
The kingdom of heaven is the greatest treasure, secured by the blood
of Christ. Do not let excuses, distractions, or worldly values blind
you to its worth. Repent, obey, and claim the treasure today.
Key
Takeaways
-
The
kingdom’s value is greater than any earthly possession (Matthew
13:44)
-
Some stumble
upon the truth, others seek it diligently, but all must
recognize its worth (Acts 9; John 4)
-
The kingdom
was bought with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28)
-
True
righteousness, peace, and joy are found only in the kingdom
(Romans 14:17; Philippians 4:6–7)
-
Repentance
is required to gain the treasure (Acts 17:30)
Scripture
Reference List
-
Matthew
13:44 – The parable of the hidden treasure
-
Acts 9 –
Saul finds Christ unexpectedly
-
John 4:25–26
– Samaritan woman meets the Messiah
-
Acts 20:28 –
The church purchased with Christ’s blood
-
Ephesians
1:4 – God’s eternal plan
-
Hebrews
12:28 – A kingdom that cannot be shaken
-
Romans 14:17
– Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit
-
Romans 8:1 –
No condemnation in Christ
-
Philippians
4:6–7 – The peace of God
-
Acts 17:30 –
God commands all men to repent
-
Matthew 6:33
– Seek first the kingdom of God
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
|
The
church of Christ
