This is not one of the parables which Jesus expounded. His people, therefore, are left to exercise their judgment of its meaning, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the light shed upon it by other Scriptures. Indeed, there might be more than one application of it correct. For instance we might apply the parable to our Lord Jesus and say that he bought the whole world at the cost of all he had, and that he purchased the world because of the “treasure” which it contained. That treasure might consist of a variety of treasures of different values-for instance, the church, the bride class, the Lord’s special “treasure,” and such of the world as will ultimately receive and be blessed by the Messianic Kingdom.

Our preference of thought is that the Great Teacher referred not to himself at all, but to those whom he instructed. By virtue of his own covenant of sacrifice the kingdom was already promised to him, and he in turn, in the Father’s name, was inviting those who had the ears to hear, and hearts to appreciate, to become members of his bride class-members of his kingdom class.

He recommends that these should view the kingdom after the illustration of this parable. Suppose in their journeying they saw a field for sale at a certain price, and suppose, upon examination of it, they found it to contain a great treasure. The treasure might consist of very excellent soil, especially suited to their purpose, or it might consist of a valuable vein of precious metal, or it might consist of money buried long centuries ago and forgotten, and not belonging to the owner of the field more than to others who might find it. In such a case, the parable suggests, anyone of ordinary intelligence would be willing to invest everything that he possessed to acquire the title.

So the Master declared to those who heard him then, and to us who receive his words now, that he has information to give respecting a great treasure, a priceless treasure, which can be obtained, but only by the expenditure of great energy and the investment of everything of value. The great treasure is the share in the Messianic Kingdom-that by accepting the terms of discipleship we may become not only sons of God but, if children, then heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord to his heavenly inheritance. This inheritance was the same as was promised to the seed of Abraham and we acquired an interest or share in it, not by being the actual seed of Abraham and the actual heirs to the kingdom, but by becoming Messiah ‘ s bride and joint-heir .

When we think how much time and energy are put forth, and how much money and influence are expended to obtain some little, petty earthly honor of worldly renown and glory, and when we reflect that these at most will last but a few years and be unsatisfactory at best, then we can appreciate the better the glory, honor, and immortality which God has in reservation for the “called and chosen and faithful,” the bride, the Lamb’s wife. R 5047 (1912)