The Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide OFFICE OF PRESIDING BISHOP AOC Bible Study Program – Parables of the Hidden Treasure & Pearl of Great Price

This Lesson Covers Two Parables of related characteristics: the Treasure Hidden in a Field & the Pearl of Great Price

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matt 13:44 (KJV) This parable is one of the shortest – only one sentence long, but full of meaning! This Hidden Treasure is not the kind that can be dug up and carried away in a chest. It is more like a vein of gold to be mined by turning up the sod and searching out the gold beneath. In this way, it is much like the Holy Scriptures that must be mined and labored over to extract every possible ounce of value therefrom. So why did the man sell all that he had to buy the field?

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matt 13:44 (KJV) This parable is one of the shortest – only one sentence long, but full of meaning! This Hidden Treasure is not the kind that can be dug up and carried away in a chest. It is more like a vein of Gold to be mined by turning up the sod and searching out the gold beneath. In thgis way, it is much like the Holy Scriptures that must be mined and labored over to extract every possible ounce of value therefrom. So why did the man sell all that he had to buy the field? ANSWER: Because the wealth would continue as long as he mined the field – again just like the reading of the Bible daily!

“Our Lord's meaning seems to be this:—The kingdom of heaven—the salvation provided by the Gospel—is like a treasure—something of inestimable worth—hidden in a field; it is a rich mine, the veins of which run in all directions in the sacred Scriptures; therefore, the field must be dug up, the records of salvation diligently and carefully turned over, and searched. —Which, when a man hath found—when a sinner is convinced that the promise of life eternal is to him, he kept secret—pondered the matter deeply in his heart; he examines the preciousness of the treasure, and counts the cost of purchase; for joy thereof—finding that this salvation is just what his needy soul requires, and what will make him presently and eternally happy, went and sold all that he had— renounces his sins, abandons his evil companions, and relinquishes all hope of salvation through his own righteousness; and purchased that field—not merely bought the book for the sake of the salvation it described, but, by the blood of the covenant, buys gold tried in the fire, white raiment, etc.; in a word, pardon and purity, which he receives from God for the sake of Jesus.” —Adam Clarke's Commentary

When the reward is so great, the labor in digging it up is of little consequence.

Finding Hidden Treasure is a great joy! The one who discovers riches buried under the ground will search endlessly to find more. But the one searching must be able to recognize the value of the treasure when it is discovered. How is this comparable to study of the Bible?

Finding Hidden Treasure is a great joy! The one who discovers riches buried under the ground will search endlessly to find more. But the one searching must be able to recognize the value of the treasure when it is discovered. How is this comparable to study of the Bible? ANSWER: Just as the more we study the character of gold and diamonds, the more we know them; the same is true of the gems of truth in the Bible

45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matt 13:45-46 (KJV)

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price is similar to that of the Hidden Treasure – both relate to the Kingdom of God and the Way, the Truth and the Life. In what way are these two Parables different? Discuss…….

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price is similar to that of the Hidden Treasure – both relate to the Kingdom of God and the Way, the Truth and the Life. In what way are these two Parables different? ANSWER: The Hidden Treasure has a greater application to the complete Word of God which no man can exhaust in mining it out of the Bible. The Pearl of Great Price, however, is SINGULAR. It relates to the object that can be purchased with the Hidden Treasure – Jesus Christ! If we study the Word (Hidden Treasure), we shall find the ONE about which the Hidden Treasure (Word) relates. We first buy field with the Hidden Treasure (which is boundless) and then we will have the wherewithal to purchase that Pearl of Great Price about which we learned from the Hidden Treasure (Bible).

Each of us own a treasure that is invaluable and eternal. What is it?

ANSWER: Our Souls are the most valuable thing, and the ONLY thing that is truly ours – now and FOREVER! Jesus tells us: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? “ Matt 16:26 (KJV) What does Jesus mean by a man losing his “own soul?”

Each of us own a treasure that is invaluable and eternal. What is it? ANSWER: Our Souls are the most valuable thing, and the ONLY thing that is truly ours – now and FOREVER! Jesus tells us: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? “ Matt 16:26 (KJV) What does Jesus mean by a man losing his “own soul?” ANSWER: We may sell our soul to the devil for the comforts and desires of worldly sin. If we spend our souls on sin and ungodly desire, we will have no remaining capital with which to redeem our souls from Hell. But, thankfully, Jesus paid that price – a price which we could not afford - for us if we accept the gift.

THIS?

…….. or THIS?

The Choice is yours to make while times remains.....