"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.” Matthew 13:44
Through the ages, many have searched for “hidden treasure,” hoping to “strike it rich” and become wealthy overnight. These treasure hunters painstakingly search (in some cases, making it their life goal) in hopes of finding something of value. And, they think if they ever discovered that “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow, they could become one of the wealthiest people in the world. These desires of the flesh are what the world seeks after and promotes.
Even some, in the church, teach that God’s hand of favor is shown through His provision of health and wealth. But would we believers be truly satisfied with the riches, popularity, and fame of this world? Is it the “rich and famous” who are truly happy and favored by God?
Friend, God has blessed His people with a Treasure far beyond anything this world has to offer. A Treasure that will make you one of the richest in the world instantly, upon believing and receiving Him - One that will fill you up, meet your every need, and completely satisfy you. And this Treasure searched for us and made us like a precious gem without blemish (Ephesians 5:27). Can you imagine this? Since when does the Treasure do the searching? Since Jesus Christ, the greatest Treasure ever known, came and lived among us, searched for and found us, and then died, and rose again for us. We who believe have been given Jesus, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3 NIV
Question 1. According to Colossians 2:3, how much treasure is there to be found in Jesus Christ?
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This "hidden treasure" is found at the cross where Jesus Christ was put to death–"the treasure of heaven crucified." This treasure of wisdom and knowledge far outweighs and outlasts the wealth, wisdom, and knowledge of this world. This purchase of our very lives, by Jesus' very blood, wasn't temporary, but rather it lasts for all eternity. The purchase wasn't with money or wealth, which are coming to nothing, "but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1:19
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
Though Jesus was rich, He came in poverty, was pierced, and punished on the cross so that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Rich in forgiveness and grace. Rich in love and mercy. Rich as we store up treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy (Matthew 6:20). "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21 NIV). The riches of the world are temporary and, in the end, leave us empty and void. If we find our hope and satisfaction in the wealth of this world, then our hearts will be bound to the world. You'll remember that Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness with all the glitter and riches this world has to offer, and it is what he tempts us with today.
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Matthew 4:8-9
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Matthew 16:26
As believers, we must see this world and all it has to offer for what it is - temporary. Colossians 3:1 guides us, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
For us who believe in Jesus, the cross is the key that opened up the treasure chest to reveal our most precious living Stone. Jesus was hung up in public and opened up for all to see, with nails in His hands, His feet, and a spear through His side. The cross revealed Jesus as the greatest Treasure, the greatest Gift, the greatest Love! Oh, friend, now we have this most valuable living Stone deep within us, in our hearts where Christ has made His home (2 Corinthians 4:7; John 14:23).
Jesus, instead of "being discovered," came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10)! He came to make us precious to God and without blemish (Philippians 2:15). On the cross, Jesus was opened up, and He displayed His love, forgiveness, cleansing flood, freedom, grace, mercy, and life with His shed blood. And we have this most valuable message of Treasure both to proclaim in the church and to give out to the world.
The Potter who formed us with His hands (Isaiah 64:8) has filled us with His own precious Son, “a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious” (1 Peter 2:4). Believers are like fragile jars of clay, which can be easily broken or shattered, but because of the work Jesus has done on the cross, these mere clay pots hold the most powerful and prized possession. We have within us Jesus Christ who came to make His home with us and His dwelling place in us, “we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” 2 Corinthians 4:7