The Treasure Principle

Last time we looked at the false assumption that the Bible should be easy to read. We tend to feel this way because we Americans have a plethora of bibles and a consumerist approach to religion. This makes us susceptible to taking the Scriptures (the Bible) for granted. And, as a result, we may mistake God, Scripture, and the church as existing to please us. And many in our culture will find it difficult to believe we are even accountable to God.

When Jesus came along, he appeared to a culture that valued Scripture as God's very words. Unlike our culture, they had a strong respect in Jewish society for the Scriptures. The Bible settled arguments and was used to regulate Jewish life.

But their culture was also like our culture in that there were different views and perspectives of the Bible which shaped opinion and party-lines. Pharisees saw the Law and Prophets as equally applicable to current Jewish life. Sadducees saw only the Law (5 books of Moses) this way. There were different schools of thought on social issues like marriage and divorce even among the Pharisees — such as the school of Hillel and the school of Shammai. And there were other Jewish sects such as the Essenes, Zealots, and the Herodians. Much like our culture, there are different religious opinions that are often imposed upon the Scriptures, rather than the other way around.

Jesus showed up during a time of oppression for the Jewish people. And at a time of some religious confusion. People relied on readings at their local synagogues to hear the words of God (Scripture). And they looked to their leaders for interpretations and teachings.

But Jesus challenged the way Scripture was being interpreted. He didn't use the Scripture to bolster his point of view. Rather, he pointed out how the Scripture was meant to be understood. He claimed to know what the author, God, intended! He spoke as one who had authority (Matthew 7:28-29). He acted like he knew what was at stake. (The fact that he proved he was right is an argument for another time.)

In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus gives two quick parables about how treasure is viewed by someone who understands its worth. Each person trades everything they have to get this treasure. In this case, Jesus is relating this to just how valuable the Kingdom of God is. Although I believe most people in our culture don't relate to this kingdom very much, many religious people rightfully value it as a heavenly home. But, if we think about it long enough, we should understand that God's Kingdom is more than heaven or being a member of His church. It's God's rule and authority. Yes, we ought to value heaven as our eternal home. But what makes heaven valuable is that it's God's rule, His presence, and the very goal of our existence.

As a result, we ought to value what God says about it. He knows how we are suppose to be prepared for this existence, and how to get it. Those who do not care for God's rule in their lives won't value it properly. In their minds, they are not willing to give up their lives for heaven, so they have little value for anything He has to say about it. They think that God wants them there, so He has to try and convince them, or just give it to them.

But Jesus is saying that it isn't easy. Nor is it suppose to be easy. Heaven is only for those who value it enough to walk away from what they value now. They are the kind of people who are willing to conform their lives to what God wants, not to what they want. The person who gets it — sees the value in being under God's rule in His kingdom — will value what God says more and value everything else in this world less. 

The Bible is valuable because it comes from God. And people of the Kingdom are those who desire God's rule in their lives. Therefore, they do what God says in His Word, not their own wills.

Photo by Lena De Fanti on Unsplash