Only Jesus Gives Us True Treasures – Family Devotion – August 10, 2020

Read: Matthew 13:44-52

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

Only Jesus Gives Us True Treasures

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tyrone was very proud of himself. He finally had his first job! He was proud to be flipping burgers and serving French fries because the big day was coming—pay day. Two weeks later Tyrone got his first paycheck. He biked to the bank as fast as he could—not to put the money in savings though. Nope. Tyrone cashed it immediately, biked to the store, and bought himself a new pair of Jordan shoes. Maybe one nice purchase would be OK, right? After all, it was his first paycheck ever!

Unfortunately, Tyrone developed a bad habit. Every time he got paid, he immediately went and bought stuff—clothes, Xbox games, new headphones, and more. Tyrone ran out of money quickly. So every time he did, he tried to find more time to work. However, the only other hours available for work were on the weekend. That didn’t matter to Tyrone. He wanted more money and more things. Before he realized it though, a whole year had passed, and he hadn’t been at church even once!

There are so many amazingly cool things in the world—cool things for people of every age. There are awesome toys and video games for kids. New clothes, fancy phones, and tablets for teens. Big homes and fast cars for adults. These things can be nice blessings to enjoy. However, Satan wants to tempt you to turn blessings into idols. This means that the devil wants you to make money and possessions the most important in your life—even more important than God himself. That’s the trap Tyrone fell into.

Listen carefully to Jesus today. He talks about two men who found big treasures. One found a hidden treasure in a field and then bought the whole field so he could enjoy the treasure. Another man found a priceless pearl, so he sold everything else just to have that special pearl. Both men made sure the greatest treasures were the most important to them, and they were so happy!

Jesus says that his kingdom is just like this. Jesus died for you and forgives you—for free! Jesus promises you eternal life in heaven—for free! God has welcomed you into his family—for free and forever! What else could ever be more valuable than this?

Enjoy all the blessings that God has given to you, but look for ways to treasure what Jesus gives the most. Nothing could be more valuable!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for all the blessings that you give to us. But most of all, thank you for the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life in heaven. Help us to treasure these gifts every day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What is the most special and precious thing that you own?
• Why is heaven more valuable than anything else you own?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• As you get older, what worldly things do you think you will be tempted to love more than Jesus?
• What are ways that you can show in your life that you treasure Jesus the most?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Evaluate this statement: There is nothing more important for parents to do than to make sure their children get a good education so that they are successful in life.
• Some people have no choice but to work when there is church. They can’t switch schedules. Police, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and others might be examples. Discuss ways that such people can both work and still make God and his Word a priority in their lives.

Hymn: CW 757:1 – Where Your Treasure Is

Refrain
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.
All that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last; come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is, your heart shall be.

What do you gain from all your worry,
What you should eat or what to wear?
There is no peace in stress or hurry.
Do you not know that you are held within God’s care?
Refrain