Chapter 48
OUR GREATEST TREASURE
Matthew 13:44-46
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Holy Father, as we study Your Word please open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts so we can truly understand what You are teaching us. Help us, oh God, to love You with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind.
Amen
We begin our study by reading the parables of the hidden treasure and the precious pearl. To do this let us go to,
[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. [45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, [46] who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
To gain more insight into the above parables and what our Lord is teaching us we will,
1. See how the behavior of Abraham and Daniel demonstrated that God was their greatest treasure.
2. Consider the above examples within the context of the whole Bible.
3. Review the Holy Spirit’s exhortation.
4. Summarize the point or message of these parables.
We begin with,
The Bible provides us with many instances that demonstrated Abraham’s complete allegiance to our God. For example there was the time when,
This encounter with God and how Abram responded is recorded in,
[1] Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. [2] I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” [4] So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. [5] Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. [6] Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land. [7] Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
Let us notice the following verses,
1 … After Terah, Abram’s father, passed away God told Abram (who was later renamed Abraham) to leave his country and his father’s house.
2-3 … God further told Abram that He would truly bless him and make his name great.
4-6 … Abram obeyed God. He gathered his goods along with his wife Sarai (later renamed Sarah) and migrated to the land of Canaan. Thus, Abram left all of his friends and relatives, except for his nephew Lot, to follow God. Often this may be the same for us. When we become born-again believers in Jesus Christ, we too may lose the close relationships we may have had with our relatives and friends.
7 … The Lord appeared to Abram and promised to give the land of Canaan to his descendents. As we read the Old Testament we find that Abram’s descendents eventually settled in the land of Canaan to become the land of Israel. In fact, even today some of Abraham’s physical descendents, that is the Jewish people, are living in the land of Israel. Thus, God did fulfill His promise to Abraham.
The second example is that of,
DANIEL
The book of Daniel opens with a description of what occurred after King Nebuchadnezzar conquered the people of Judah and transported them to his home in Babylon. To read what happened let us go to,
Daniel 1:1-7
[1] In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. [2] And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god. [3] Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, [4] young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. [5] And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. [6] Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. [7] To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.
Let us notice the following verses,
3-5 … Even though they were held captive, the young, good looking men with wisdom, knowledge and the ability to learn were given special treatment. They were tutored in the language and literature of the Chaldeans. In addition, to physically prepare them for their service to the king, they were given food from the king’s table. In other words, even though these young men were enslaved, life was going to be fairly pleasant.
DANIEL AND HIS THREE COMPANIONS REFUSED TO DEFILE THEMSELVES
Specifically, they purposed in their hearts to not eat the food God had forbidden them to eat (Leviticus11:15-33). To read what happened let us go to,
Daniel 1:8-16
[8] But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. [9] Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. [10] And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.” [11] So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, [12] “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. [13] Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” [14] So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. [15] And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. [16] Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
Let us notice the following verses,
8 … Even though Daniel was ordered to eat the delicacies from the king’s table; he was not willing to disobey God. In other words, for Daniel, God’s ways and laws took priority over man’s ways and laws. By taking this stance, Daniel put at risk the pleasant life he was being prepared for.
9 … It was God who gave Daniel favor from the chief eunuch.
10 … Initially, with the fear of the potential repercussion from the king, the chief eunuch was afraid to grant Daniel’s request.
11-13 … To alleviate the eunuch’s fear, Daniel proposed a 10 day test.
15 … At the completion of the 10 day period, Daniel and his companions appeared to be in better health than all the other young men.
Because of their faithfulness and putting their life on the line to remain true to God
GOD BLESSED DANIEL AND HIS COMPANIONS
To see this let us read from,
Daniel 1:17-20
[17] As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. [18] Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. [19] Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. [20] And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.
After a period of time the Babylonian Empire was over-thrown and became incorporated into the empire of the Persians and Medes. Even under this new empire, Daniel held a very prestigious position. To better appreciate Daniel’s position or standing within the Persian and Mede Empire, it is helpful to note that King Darius had organized his kingdom to have 120 satraps. Each satrap was given the authority to rule over several provinces of King Darius’s vast empire. King Darius then appointed three governors to rule over the satraps. Because king Darius acknowledged that Daniel had more wisdom and understanding than all of his wise men, which were the astrologers and magicians, he appointed Daniel to be one of the three governors. Consequently, Daniel held a very high position within King Darius’ government.
However, as time went on the satraps and the two governors became jealous of Daniel. They felt threatened by the favor he had with the king. Consequently, they sought an opportunity by which they could have him removed from office. This conspiracy is recorded in,
Daniel 6:3-5
[3] Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. [4] So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. [5] Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”
Let us notice the following verse,
5 … The satraps and two governors came to the conclusion that the only way they could find a charge against Daniel was through his faith and devotion to God.
To put Daniel in an unfavorable position with the king, the governors and satraps devised a scheme whereby they could manipulate his faithfulness to God against him. The scheme they devised was to convince King Darius to establish a law that would not permit Daniel to pray to and or worship God. Specifically, they convinced the king to edict that no one was allowed to seek after any god or man except for the king. In other words,
IDOLATRY BECAME MANDATORY
To read exactly what the governors and satraps convinced the king to do, let us read from,
Daniel 6:6-9
[6] So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! [7] All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. [8] Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” [9] Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.
Even though Daniel knew what the consequences would be if he was caught seeking after God, he did it anyway. In other words,
DANIEL REMAINED FAITHFUL TO GOD
To see this let us read from,
Daniel 6:10
[10] Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
When the governors and satraps found Daniel praying to God, they promptly reported it to the king. They also demanded Daniel be cast into the lion’s den. This is recorded in,
Daniel 6:11-17
[11] Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. [12] And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” [13] So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”[14] And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. [15] Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.” [16] So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” [17] Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.
Let us notice the following verse,
16 … By reassuring Daniel that God Almighty would save him from the lions, King Darius, the supreme ruler over the Mede and Persian Empire, expressed his faith in God.
As we read further in this account of Daniel we find that,
GOD DID SAVE DANIEL FROM THE LIONS
This is recorded in,
Daniel 6:18-23
[18] Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. [19] Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. [20] And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” [21] Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! [22] My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” [23] Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.
To insure we do not misinterpret the point of these two examples, let us consider them in,
Even though God greatly blessed Abraham with many physical possessions, he considered himself as a pilgrim and stranger upon this earth. To see this let us read from,
Hebrews 11:8-12
[8] By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. [9] By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; [10] for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. [11] By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. [12] Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
Let us notice the following verses,
9-10 … By faith Abraham and later Isaac and Jacob dwelt in the land of promise as foreigners, strangers or pilgrims. They did this because they were waiting for the city that was to be built by God. We now know that this city will be the New Jerusalem. To see this, we go to John the Apostle’s vision of this event as recorded in,
Revelation 21:1-5
[1] Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. [2] Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. [4] And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” [5] Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
Returning to the book of Hebrews let us now read,
[13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [14] For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
Let us notice the following verses,
13 … Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob did not receive the promise while sojourning upon this earth. Since they saw God’s promises to be in the future, while upon this earth, they considered themselves to be foreigners, strangers or pilgrims. We too as born-again believers in Jesus Christ are to live in the same manner. To see this let us recall the following exhortation from,
1 Peter 1:1-2
"[1] Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, [2] who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance."
We see this same type of description for the born-again believer when the Holy Spirit urges us to live a holy life. This is recorded in,
1 Peter 2:11
"[11] Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul."
We now return to Hebrews chapter 11 and read the following verses,
[15] And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. [16] But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Let us notice the following verses,
15 … If Abraham wanted to return to his old country and way of life, he would have had the opportunity to do so. What about us? Do we want to return to our former way of life that leads to death? (Or) Do we want to press on to the goal to live in the City of God and have eternal life with Him?
16 … Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Jacob looked towards a better home than what we have now. Specifically, they looked to the heavenly home that God was preparing for them and us. This is why God was not ashamed to be called their God. It is the same with us.
It is also noted that while waiting for their heavenly home not everyone prospered as well as Abraham and Daniel. This is recorded in,
Hebrews 11:36-40
[36] Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. [37] They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—[38] of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. [39] And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, [40] God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
So what is the point? The answer is clearly provided to us in,
1 Corinthians 15:19
[19] If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
In other words, if in this life we only have hope and faith in God for health, wealth, earthly position/status and the “so called good life”, we have missed the whole message of the Gospel.
Specifically, Jesus Christ came to this earth to save us from our sins so we will have eternal life with Him. This truth is clearly revealed to us in,
John 3:16
[16] For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
This is the goal of our faith and devotion to our God. This is why we are to consider our Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom to be our greatest treasure.
With the above examples in mind let us now read the,
THE HOLY SPIRIT’S EXHORTATION FOR US
To do this we go to the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi and begin our reading from,
Philippians 3:1-3
[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. [2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! [3] For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Let us notice the following verses,
2-3a … This is a reference to the Old Testament command that to be God’s chosen, which was to be of the Jewish faith, one had to be physically circumcised. However, this was only an outward sign. To see this we go to,
Romans 2:28-29
[28] For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; [29] but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
Returning to Philippians let us notice the following verse,
3b … We are not to rely upon outward physical religious performances or activities for our righteousness or salvation.
With these truths in mind, let us now read how Paul diligently followed all the external or physical Old Testament laws, commands and traditions. To do this we go to,
Philippians 3:4-6
[4] though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: [5] circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; [6] concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Even though Paul religiously followed the law, he tells us that he learned all that effort and activity was and is of no value compared to the righteousness he, you and I received or can receive from God through faith in Jesus Christ. To see this we go to,
Philippians 3:7-11
[7] But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. [8] Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; [10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, [11] if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Paul now reveals to us an extremely encouraging and comforting confession for those of us who feel they fall short in their walk or journey with God. To read his expose we go to,
Philippians 3:12-14
[12] Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. [13] Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, [14] I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Given the importance and significance of the above Scriptures, let us expand upon them by rereading them from the; “Amplified Bible.”
[12] “Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. [13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
With all the above in mind let us now read the Holy Spirit’s exhortation or instruction He, by the hand of Paul, gave to us. To do this we go to,
Philippians 3:15-19
[15] Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. [16] Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. [17] Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. [18] For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [19] whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
Let us notice the following verse,
17 … We are to follow Paul’s example and those who, in a similar fashion live out their Christian lives. The question may arise as to; “Why?” The answer is provided in,
Philippians 3:20-21
[20] For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
This now brings us to,
THE MESSAGE OF THE PARABLES OF THE HIDDEN TREASURE AND PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
The message of these parables is to point us to the first and foremost commandment, as it is recorded in,
Matthew 22:35-38
[35] Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, [36] “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” [37] Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” [38] This is the first and great commandment.
To see how this commandment is the message to be taken from the parables of the “Hidden Treasure” and the “Pearl of Great Price,” let us now prayerfully read the following excerpt from Jesus’ sermon on the mountain top.
Matthew 6:21
[21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Blessed be the Lord forever,
AMEN and AMEN