Matthew 13

The Value of Heaven

Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

What do you value most in this life? For many, it is their family or friends. For some it may be their iPod, computer, or game system. For others it might be getting good grades. But what do you value most? Here is a good test, if your house was burning down and you could only go in and save 1 thing, what would it be? We all put high value on something or someone.

In the chapter today, Jesus tells 8 parables. Parables are stories that Jesus would tell to make a point. Each of the parables has a meaning that relates to the story. Jesus explains some of the parables(the parable of the sower, The parable of the weeds), but not all of them. Some are easy to understand, others are not. It is wise for us to stop and study these parables.

On of the parables in this chapter that really stands out is the parable of the Hidden Treasure(above). It is a simple story of a man who found a treasure in a field, hid it, sold all that he had, and bought the field with that money. What point is Jesus trying to make?

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like a Treasure
Obviously this man values whatever treasure it is that he found(we are not told what it is). So valuable was this treasure that the man sold everything in order to have it. In the same way, Heaven is valuable. There is nothing greater that anyone can value more than Heaven. Heaven is not just a place, but also the presence and glory of the only God of Heaven and Earth. Its value is beyond description or measure. Nothing even comes close in comparison.

In his joy he sells all that he has and buys that field
The knowledge that this man had about the treasure that he found gave him joy. So much joy in fact, he was probably excited to sell all of his possessions to gain that treasure. There was joy in the sacrifice. Jesus said in Matthew 10:39 “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” The life that Jesus calls us to is one where we give up our lives and submit to Jesus as Lord and Savior. If we want the eternal life that Jesus offers, we must submit our lives now to Jesus. If you value Heaven, if you have a right view of what we gain from a life submitted to Christ, you will have joy. If you are not excited about Heaven and if you do not understand all that we gain in Jesus, you will not have joy.

What do you value most? Do you value Heaven? Would you do anything that you could to go there? Make Heaven valuable to you. Make Christ valuable in your life. Center your life in Him and give your life to Jesus. You wont regret it!