<P> John Calvin writes of this parable: </P> <P> The first two of these parables are intended to instruct believers to prefer the Kingdom of heaven to the whole world, and therefore to deny themselves and all the desires of the flesh, that nothing may prevent them from obtaining so valuable a possession . We are greatly in need of such a warning; for we are so captivated by the allurements of the world, that eternal life fades from our view; and in consequence of our carnality, the spiritual graces of God are far from being held by us in the estimation which they deserve . </P> <P> The hidden nature of the treasure may indicate that the Kingdom of Heaven "is not yet revealed to everyone ." </P> <P> However, other interpretations of the parable exist, in which the treasure represents Israel or the Church . </P>

Message of the parable of the hidden treasure