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Explanation for:
Matthew
13
:
44
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Given the frequent ambiguities present in parables, we provide succinct explanations, leading to a sense of transition between interpretations. The treasure referred to, which encompasses all the riches of wisdom and knowledge, can be understood as either the Word of God concealed within the flesh of Christ or the wealth contained in the Holy Scriptures, which reveal the knowledge of Christ the Savior. Should anyone discover Him within these writings, they must disregard all worldly gain in order to unite with Him as He has unveiled Himself. The subsequent phrase, “Having found which a man hides,” is not meant to imply that a person acts out of jealousy, but rather indicates that, from a deep reverence and the desire to preserve what he has found, he conceals in his heart the one he values more than his previous wealth."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Similar to the mustard seed and the leaven mentioned earlier, the two parables of the treasure and the pearl exhibit noteworthy similarities. Each of these parables emphasizes the supreme value of proclaiming the Gospel above all else. In the stories of the leaven and the mustard seed, we recognize the tremendous influence of preaching and its ability to triumph over all creation. However, the current parables reveal the significance and multifaceted nature of preaching. Indeed, it grows expansively like a mustard tree, exerts power like leaven, is priceless like a pearl, and offers countless blessings akin to treasured riches. From this, we understand that we must not only commit ourselves fervently to preaching but also approach it with joy. Those who relinquish their possessions ought to recognize that this sacrifice is a gain, not a loss. Observe how preaching, though often hidden in the world, conceals numerous benefits within it. To obtain, one must be willing to forsake all, and without a heart that seeks and values the truth, finding it becomes impossible. Therefore, it is essential to first release worldly distractions and remain vigilant. As stated, “To him that seeketh good pearls, who, when he found one precious pearl, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” There exists one ultimate truth, and it is singular, not manifold. Just as a person in possession of pearls understands their wealth, yet others may overlook their value due to their small size, so too can it be said of preaching: those who have it realize their riches, while those without faith fail to grasp the worth of this marvelous treasure. Yet, to prevent us from placing excessive reliance on preaching alone or assuming that faith alone will lead to our salvation, the Lord shares a new and profound parable. What is this parable? It is the parable of the net."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In the parable of the treasure hidden in a field, the Lord illustrates the concealed wealth of our hope in Him. God resides within humanity, and for His invaluable nature, one must relinquish all worldly possessions. By serving the needs of the impoverished through acts of clothing, feeding, and providing drink, we can acquire the everlasting treasures of the heavenly kingdom. It is important to note that while the treasure was discovered and concealed, the finder could have chosen to take it away without keeping it hidden, thus eliminating the need for purchase. Both the context and significance of this teaching require clarification. The treasure was hidden to necessitate the purchase of the field. As we have mentioned, the treasure represents Christ in His earthly form, made available to us freely. The proclamation of the Gospels is boundless, yet the ability to access and claim this treasure typically demands a sacrifice of earthly possessions."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"In this context, it is significant that the treasure discovered is concealed for protection, as one who does not keep their fervent yearning for heaven out of the reach of human admiration fails to shield it entirely from malevolent forces. In our earthly existence, we are on a journey towards our true homeland. Malevolent spirits surround us like thieves along this pathway. Thus, one who displays their treasure openly along the way is inviting theft. However, I mention this not to suggest that we should conceal our good deeds from others, for it is stated, “That they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Rather, the goal is to avoid seeking external approval for our actions. Our deeds should be carried out with such discretion that their true intent remains unknown to others, enabling us to inspire our neighbors not just through our actions but also through our commitment to pleasing God, which we ought to keep private. The treasure symbolizes the longing for heaven, while the field where this treasure is hidden represents the teachings of that heavenly aspiration. This field is obtained by relinquishing everything. One who turns away from carnal desires sheds all earthly longings through adherence to divine teaching, ensuring that the spirit disapproves of anything that gratifies the flesh, leaving no fear of what extinguishes the life of the body."},{"author-name":"Maximus the Confessor","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8951a1dea23713695271e_Maximus%20the%20Confessor.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"Some believers feel they are unable to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as their neglect in adhering to the commandments has led them to forget that anyone who genuinely trusts in Christ possesses all of God's gifts within them. Our own laziness, however, keeps us from the active love that would unveil these Divine treasures within us, leading us to see ourselves as disconnected from God’s gifts. According to the Apostle, if Christ resides in our hearts through faith (Eph. 3:17), and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are concealed in Him (Col. 2:3), then those treasures are indeed within our hearts. Yet, they are disclosed to our hearts as we purify ourselves through following His commandments. Consider the hidden treasure in the field (Matthew 13:44) of your heart, which you have not yet unearthed due to your negligence. If you had found it, you would have sold everything to acquire that field. Instead, you choose to work nearby, where you encounter nothing but thorns and thistles. Consequently, the Savior declares: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8). Thus, the Savior instructs: Sell your possessions and give to the poor (Lk. 12:33), and everything will be clean to you (Lk. 11:41), for those who are no longer consumed by bodily concerns, but rather strive to cleanse their hearts of hatred and moral impurity, as the Lord refers to the heart (Mt. 15:19). Such impurities cloud the mind, hindering it from perceiving Christ residing within it through the grace of holy baptism."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The universe symbolizes the field, while the treasure represents the proclamation and understanding of Christ, concealed within it. The apostle Paul states, ‘We preach wisdom,’ referring to “hidden wisdom” (1 Cor. 2:7). Anyone who diligently seeks the knowledge of God will discover it, abandoning everything—be it philosophical teachings, immoral behaviors, or wealth—to acquire the field, which signifies the world. For those who know Christ claim the world as their inheritance; though they may appear to lack possessions, they hold everything. The forces of nature become subservient to them, as they exercise authority over them similarly to Jesus or Moses."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Why did He speak in parables to His disciples when there were no other people present? He was aware that the disciples were sufficiently enlightened by their previous discussions, as they affirmed, \\"Do you understand all these things?\\" They replied, \\"Yes, Lord\\" (Matthew 13:51). Just as in the earlier parables concerning the mustard seed and the leaven, He referred to the Kingdom of Heaven as a doctrine of faith. In this passage, He likened it to a treasure, highlighting the abundance of the Holy Spirit contained within. The world serves as the field mentioned earlier. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that within the world lies the hidden aspect of faith, and within faith resides the riches of the Spirit. \\n\\nMaintain the previous interpretations of this parable, but consider how the one who discovers this precious treasure, or acknowledges it, is filled with zeal, as indicated by the term \\"goes.\\" This person willingly sells everything they possess in order to obtain it. This parable instructs everyone not merely to abandon, for the sake of faith, all they own with sorrow, but to do so joyfully, viewing this sacrifice as the greatest blessing. Anyone who fails to relinquish these possessions, or does so without joy, will be unable to attain the treasure of faith. \\"All that he has,\\" refers to sins committed in action, speech, and thought, which are likewise to be forsaken."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Kingdom of Heaven can be likened to a treasure concealed in a field, which a man, perhaps a laborer, inadvertently discovers while tilling the soil. Realizing its value, he reburies the treasure, keeping it secret from the landowner. Filled with joy at his find, he returns home, sells all his possessions, and purchases the field. One who values nothing in the world for the sake of their soul understands that they stand to gain everything rather than lose anything. St. Philaret of Moscow notes that while the treasure is plentiful and ready for the enrichment of all, the field’s owner fails to pursue it, thereby obtaining it in vain. Another may know of the treasure yet lacks the resolve to sell all to acquire the field and access the riches within; this knowledge, too, is in vain. Grace rests as a treasure, hidden in few places—like the fields of solitude and devout silence, chastity, and self-control. If one invests fully in these areas, the treasure will be revealed. However, among these, the Church offers a particularly accessible field brimming with treasure. In her sacred gatherings lies the presence of Christ, who embodies all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3) alongside countless other divine gifts. The prayers and praises of the Church hold immense value, infused with the grace of prophets, apostles, and saints, with the Holy Spirit interceding for us with unutterable groans (Romans 8:26). Moreover, the readings from the Gospel possess the same divine power that cast out demons, healed the sick, resurrected the dead, and illuminated with divine light; it remains active within His word today. The Sacraments, especially Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, harbor the profound gift of eternal life, a promise echoed in the Lord’s words: “He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood has eternal life” (John 6:54). \\n\\nTo benefit from these treasures, one must willingly relinquish selfishness, passions, sinful habits, carnal desires, laziness, and distractions. An even closer treasure lies within our own hearts. In the Sacrament of Baptism, the Spirit of God invisibly bestowed new life upon us. Yet, have we truly uncovered this treasure? If we continue to bury it under the burdens of worldly distractions, impurities, and disobedience, our spiritual vitality remains dormant. Just as one cannot possess treasure without owning the field that conceals it, salvation is unattainable outside the depths of the Orthodox Church. One who discovers the treasure safeguards it from loss, while pride in one’s grace can lead to the forfeiture of these gifts. Conversely, the humble, rejoicing in the Lord, quietly share their joy with others, inviting them to partake in the treasure, akin to how Andrew brought Peter to Christ: “We have found the Messiah!” Blessed Augustine captures this joy perfectly, expressing that he gladly forwent trivial pleasures when the True Joy filled him. The soul that has found Christ is willing to forsake everything for the sake of fully embracing Him. The parable of the hidden treasure speaks to those whom God’s grace unexpectedly calls, sparking immense joy. Yet, those who recognize their need for salvation must diligently seek it with unwavering resolve."},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To cultivate a genuine love for God, we should embrace the commandments of the Gospel. We must relinquish our desires and passions, acquiring through self-denial a territory—our hearts—that cannot truly be ours without this transaction. By nurturing this heart with divine precepts, we uncover the celestial treasure concealed within it: love (Matthew 13:44). \\n\\nThe Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a hidden treasure in a field that a man discovers; in his joy, he sells everything he owns to purchase that field (Matthew 13:44). What is this profound treasure? It is the Holy Spirit, who reveals the Father and the Son to our souls. And what does this field represent? It symbolizes repentance. How does one unearth this treasure? Through living faith. What does joy signify? It embodies passionate dedication to God's works, emerging from a vibrant faith. What is meant by 'hiding'? It refers to tranquility and solitude. What implications arise from 'selling all that one possesses in the field'? It indicates relinquishing attachments. Every single desire and inclination of the heart must be surrendered to attain true repentance; otherwise, it cannot be achieved. If any trivial matter clings to the heart, it will hinder the inheritance of repentance, distracting from its purpose. Thus, it is essential to seek refuge in silence—not only from others but from oneself whenever possible. Those who achieve this will cultivate a land of repentance, and those who possess this land will discover a treasure: the Most Holy Trinity. Oh, as we navigate the tumultuous waters of the unseen world, may we, amidst our struggles, inherit the land of repentance through self-denial, thus uncovering a treasure that is boundless and beyond measure."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"“Like the kingdom of heaven”: Why did the crowds disperse when the apostles engaged with them through parables? It was so that, having been trained by prior teachings, they might grasp the meaning of these parables. Thus, when the Lord questioned them after sharing these stories, asking if they understood everything, they replied, “Yes, Lord.” \\n\\nIn the parable of the treasure hidden in a field, it illustrates a foreign land, not owned by the one who discovers the treasure. The term “hidden” signifies that he disclosed it to no one, not even to the field’s owner. He returned home, sold all his belongings, and purchased the field for the sake of the hidden treasure within it. The parable conveys that the kingdom of God, the church of Christ, and the Gospel message are invaluable. A person must be willing to relinquish all worldly possessions for their sake, just as one would for a greater and more precious treasure in daily life."}]}
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