Treasures Old and New
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are the greatest treasure. You ask for nothing but our broken lives–and You give everything of value.
Read Matthew 13:44-52
[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. [45] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. [46] When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. [47] “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. [48] When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. [49] This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous [50] and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [51] “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. [52] He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Is there anything you are failing to surrender for this treasure?Today we’re looking at three short parables. The first man probably stumbled across the hidden treasure. See his response (44) as well as his joy, even though it cost him everything.In the second parable, the merchant was actually searching for fine pearls. In Bible days, pearls were highly valued, on a par with gold. See what he did when he found one (46). How do you think he felt when it was finally his own? In the years since Jesus walked this earth, many have surrendered all in order to follow the Lord. These two parables illustrate the wholehearted response that the kingdom requires of us. Yet it’s not the cost that is the main focus, but the joyful response of the one who has found it. In the parable of the fish, Jesus is talking about the end of time (49). Just like the parable of the weeds (24-30), the day will come when the good will receive their reward. Those who have not followed Jesus will also reap an eternal reward, but see how dreadful it will be (50).
Apply
Think back to your answer to the reflection question. Do you value it more than the kingdom? Surrender all to God.
Closing prayer
Father, what can be compared to all You offer in Christ Jesus? The treasure has been made available. I want to find it.
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