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Christ’s Object Lessons
In the parable the field containing the treasure represents the Holy
Scriptures. And the gospel is the treasure. The earth itself is not so
interlaced with golden veins and filled with precious things as is the
word of God.
How Hidden
The treasures of the gospel are said to be hidden. By those who
are wise in their own estimation, who are puffed up by the teaching
of vain philosophy, the beauty and power and mystery of the plan of
redemption are not perceived. Many have eyes, but they see not; they
have ears, but they hear not; they have intellect, but they discern not
the hidden treasure.
A man might pass over the place where treasure had been con-
cealed. In dire necessity he might sit down to rest at the foot of a
tree, not knowing of the riches hidden at its roots. So it was with the
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Jews. As a golden treasure, truth had been intrusted to the Hebrew
people. The Jewish economy, bearing the signature of Heaven, had
been instituted by Christ Himself. In types and symbols the great
truths of redemption were veiled. Yet when Christ came, the Jews did
not recognize Him to whom all these symbols pointed. They had the
word of God in their hands; but the traditions which had been handed
down from generation to generation, and the human interpretation of
the Scriptures, hid from them the truth as it is in Jesus. The spiri-
tual import of the sacred writings was lost. The treasure house of all
knowledge was open to them, but they knew it not.
God does not conceal His truth from men. By their own course
of action they make it obscure to themselves. Christ gave the Jewish
people abundant evidence that He was the Messiah; but His teaching
called for a decided change in their lives. They saw that if they received
Christ, they must give up their cherished maxims and traditions, their
selfish, ungodly practices. It required a sacrifice to receive changeless,
eternal truth. Therefore they would not admit the most conclusive evi-
dence that God could give to establish faith in Christ. They professed
to believe the Old Testament Scriptures, yet they refused to accept
the testimony contained therein concerning Christ’s life and character.
They were afraid of being convinced lest they should be converted and
be compelled to give up their preconceived opinions. The treasure of