The Treasure – July 23, 2023

[Jesus said] “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. Again, 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.”
Matthew 13:44-46

The Treasure

Perhaps you heard about the husband and wife who found $10 million in rare gold coins buried on their property in Northern California. Don’t people dream of finding great treasure? Jesus apparently thought so as he taught: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure.”

He tells about someone who fortunately finds buried treasure. In ancient times, rich people were known to divide their wealth into three parts: one for doing business, another converted to precious stones with which to flee if necessary, a third part to be buried in a safe place. So it could happen that when a rich man died, his buried wealth would remain to be found by some fortunate individual.

In the second brief story, Jesus speaks of a pearl merchant whose mission was to seek out exceptional pearls and obtain them.

Some tirelessly seek to get treasure and others just fortunately find it. But the most valuable treasure is that which Jesus has for us. This treasure Jesus tells us is the “kingdom of heaven.” The kingdom is Jesus’ rule in our hearts by faith. When our faith is in Jesus, we have the treasure of the forgiveness of sins, spiritual life, and eternal salvation—we will enjoy the glories of heaven forever.

Still, we don’t have to wait to enjoy this precious treasure. With faith in Jesus comes the peace of knowing we are God’s dear children right now, the hope of present certainty for a blessed future, and the joy of knowing God loves us today, tomorrow, and always.

So whether you stumble upon earthly treasure or spend your life seeking after it, what really matters is that you have the treasure of Jesus. It’s worth giving up everything to make it your own.

Prayer:
Lord, lead me to the treasure that is Jesus and help me to treasure that treasure above all things. Amen.