Other Parables
175
man into connection with himself and re-creates him in the divine
image.
The Saviour continued his parables to the listening people, saying,
“Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the
which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth
and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom
of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls; who,
when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he
had, and bought it.” In those days there were many who searched for
treasure which was supposed to be buried in certain localities where
great cities had once stood. In the great thoroughfare of travel, where
Jesus was then teaching, it was not unusual to meet persons who had
come long distances on their way to where it was supposed hidden
[252]
treasure could be found. The desire for great riches led them upon
a journey fraught with many perils. They had left their avocations
upon a venture that seldom proved successful. But if they secured a
small treasure they redoubled their exertions, hoping to realize still
greater riches. Jesus had this class of his hearers in view, when he
thus illustrated the mysterious riches of his grace, which, once having
attracted the heart of man, lead him to seek higher attainments and
greater blessings. The more he realizes of the peace of God, the more
he desires to drink deeper at the fountain of his love. The thirst for
righteousness, the longing and seeking for its treasures, continually
increase.
In order to obtain a vast treasure that is supposed to be hidden in
a field, or a gem that is of great and unknown value, the man who is
seeking for riches invests all his substance in that field, or uses it to
purchase the precious jewel, calculating that it will increase in value
on his hands and bring him the fortune that he covets. So should the
Christian, who desires the riches of Heaven, set aside all considerations
that interfere with his eternal welfare, and his soul into the work of
securing the riches of Christ’s love. His talents, his means, his energies,
should all be applied in such a way as to win the approbation of God.
Jesus directs the minds of his hearers to infinite riches, hidden where
all may engage in searching for them, sure of being successful, never
doomed to the disappointment of fruitless toil. He came from Heaven
to direct the search. High and low, rich and poor, stand upon an equal
footing, and none need seek in vain. Obedience to his will is the one