The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Jesus told this parable: "The kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." (Mat 13:44).
The man is Jesus. The field represents the world.
The treasure is the followers of Christ.
The treasure is the followers of Christ.
The man (Jesus) gives everything he has (his life) to be able to buy this treasure. Not only the treasure (the followers of Christ), but also the field (representing the world). Jesus died on the cross for the sins of all people in the whole world.
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
Jesus told this parable: "The kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." (Mat 13:45–46).
The merchant is Jesus. The pearl of great value is the followers of Christ, borne out by irritation and persecution, as pearls are created in nature. This parable is interpreted in the same way as the previous parable of the Hidden Treasure.
For information on parables, see Jesus' Parables.
