The Treasure of the Kingdom

In the summer of 2010, a British businessman, Andy Fields, bought an assortment of sketches at a garage sale for $5. Among them was one that bore the signature of Andy Warhol. Investing considerable time and effort to have the work appraised, Fields discovered the sketch was the earliest known work of the legendary American artist and likely worth well over $1 million.

In the stories of such discoveries we might see inklings of parables Jesus tells to illustrate what the kingdom of heaven is like, such as when He compares it to a treasure discovered in a field (v. 44) or to a very fine pearl (v. 45). Fields’s story has several unique elements that highlight important aspects of Jesus’ parables that we might otherwise overlook.

First, discovering such treasures is often more than mere coincidence. As an art collector, Fields had developed eyes to see the promise of his find. Similarly, the treasure that is the kingdom of heaven is one many overlook. Perhaps they dismiss it as something too small to be significant, a nearly invisible and presumably infertile mustard seed (v. 31). Others might be offended by Jesus (11:6). And still others will reject that kingdom’s constitution—in which the poor in spirit are blessed, the peacemakers are God’s children, and the meek inherit the earth (5:3–9)—as unrealistic. We need eyes healed by grace so that we might see the kingdom for treasure that it is.

Second, the kingdom of heaven, like Fields’s find, also requires investment. The true value of the kingdom comes not just when we see it but when we live it, when we are willing to give up even things of great value so that it can be wholly ours.

Pray with Us

Ken Heulitt, chief financial officer, invites you to praise God for His faithful provision to the work He’s called us to do at Moody. December is our most important month for donations, and the generosity of God’s people is a powerful testimony.