Matthew 13:44: The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field.

In the two brief parables in our sermon text, Jesus emphasizes the surpassing value of the kingdom. It is of such value that we must give up everything – abandon all other plans and aspirations and standards of value – to gain the kingdom.

But the first parable has another element as well. It’s not just about treasure in a field, a treasure so valuable that we sell all in order to gain it. It is about a treasure hidden in the field.

Hiddenness is a key element of Jesus’ ministry, His announcement and enactment of the kingdom. He teaches in parables in order to hide His meaning from those who have no ears to hear. He says that the kingdom is like leaven hidden in the lump, and much of His work takes place in the borderlands of Israel , in Galilee .

This hiddenness makes it difficult for us to value the kingdom properly. Jesus calls us to give up all to follow Him, and promises that we receive the kingdom. But when we’ve received the reward, what do we have? We have a cross, membership in a community of nobodies, a crucified Master, persecution and rejection.

We give up everything to have a place at the feast of the kingdom, and then we sit down here to a meal of humble bread and wine. We give up the lavish banquets of the world, and then wonder, Did we give up all those good things for this ??

Only those with ears to hear can hear, Jesus says. And, only those with eyes to see and mouths to taste can grasp what this meal truly is. Like everything else in the kingdom, this meal demands faith. Only those who trust God’s promise know what this meal really is.

This meal is a perfect sign of this kingdom. It’s the feast of the kingdom, but it’s a feast of the hidden kingdom. The kingdom that doesn’t look like a kingdom is represented by a feast that doesn’t quite look like a feast.