Many of us have a box or drawer that we keep mementos in—photographs that bring back fond memories, cards with kind and meaningful words written on them, trinkets given by a loved one, or maybe a ribbon, a lock of hair, or a pressed flower. What is in your treasure box?

The Israelites had a history of being conquered and plundered by neighboring nations. Whenever war broke out and the enemy advanced, farmers would hide their valuables in a field in case their house was raided. Often, sadly, the family was swept away by the invaders and their treasure remained hidden until someone might discover it years later—usually while plowing the field or digging for some other reason.

Jesus used that scenario as the backdrop for this parable about the kingdom. And when the man found the treasure, Jesus said, “He hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought the field.”

So what is the value of the king­dom? To the one who finds it, says Jesus, it is worth more than everything he or she has.

Now consider this: The kingdom of heaven’s value is your life, paid for by the life of Jesus. In his joy, upon finding the lost treasure that is you, Jesus went and sold all he had so that he could have you!