Giving up everything for one thing – July 31, 2023

Read: Matthew 13:44-52

When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:46

Giving up everything for one thing

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

An enterprising young man started with one red paper clip. His goal was to see what he could exchange for it. Eventually, through a series of fourteen trades, he ended up with a two-story house. Wow! He had learned the fine art of giving up something to get something even better and more valuable.

Here’s a question for you: What would you give up so that you could have the thing you really want?

When we read Jesus’ stories in Matthew chapter 13, we come upon the stories of the treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price. In a way, Jesus ended both with the same truth: When someone finds the thing they really want, they’re willing to give up not just one thing, but everything.

So, what do you really want? What are you willing to give up so you can have it? Maybe it’s money or safety; a better relationship with someone in your family. As nice as all those things are, think deeper: what do you really want?

This week’s devotions will highlight wealth and how we, as children of God, get along with it. We live in a world that is driven by the want for more. Meanwhile, we remember that we are members of God’s kingdom, which offers something completely different.

That’s where it’s easy to get all mixed up. We want all our needs and wants to be met. We’re happiest when every one of our requests are met with a “Yes”! What we want is all that is important! What are you willing to sacrifice to get that kind of treasure?

Does this get us to the point of Jesus’ stories? Be willing to give up everything you have so you can obtain treasure that really matters—but it’s not what you may think you want. Real treasure is Jesus. Can you give up everything if it means getting him? Rather than telling you to give up something, let Jesus’ stories show us “Someone”:

• Someone who knew what he wanted more than anything else in the world.
• Someone who was willing to go all the way to make it his own.
• Someone whose name is Jesus.

He didn’t win you through a series of trades and swaps, but he became like you and gave up everything so that he could have one thing: you.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you gave up everything so that you could make us your own. Fill us with your love that, we, too, will always find our eternal treasure in you. 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

• Read Matthew 13:44-52. What did the two men find in the fields?
• What did Jesus do to make you his own?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Read Matthew 13:44-52. What did the two men in Jesus’ stories have to do to get what they wanted?
• Why is it so important to remember that Jesus and his Word are more valuable than anything?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: It’s a sin to be wealthy.
• How do these parables of Jesus show me my sin? How do they show me my Savior and what he’s done for me?