We gather on Friday under this title to discuss a good idea or a good book with friends, and the book we are now discussing is Klyne Snodgrass’s Stories with Intent, a complete study of the parables. It is written for pastors and teachers and is a handbook — that is, it gives you the material to interpret the parables.
We turn today to the parable of the treasure in Matt 13:44: “The kingdom of heaven is like 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.”
How would you teach, preach, or explain this parable? What is the “treasure”?
Again, a masterful selection of the possible background texts, including cultural codes about hiding money.
Snodgrass suggests the parable is about both the value of the kingdom and the cost of discipleship. A focus is on the behavior of the person in the parable. Do you think his selling all is a call for us to sell all? Why or why not? And do you think the parable indicates that the kingdom is present and awaiting recognition?
Does this parable teach salvation by grace?
Is there anything you have experienced like the man in this parable?