Something Better Than Buried Treasure – July 31, 2026
Read: Matthew 13:44-52
[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
Something Better Than Buried Treasure
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Imagine trying to count the value of everything you own: your clothes, toys, books, games, bike, electronics, and everything in your room. The total might surprise you! If you guessed that everything you own is worth $5,000, the real number might be closer to $15,000. Now imagine someone asking you to trade all of it—every last thing—for one treasure. What treasure could possibly be worth that much?
In two short parables Jesus told of people who sold everything they had to obtain one thing. One man discovered treasure hidden in a field. Another man found an incredibly valuable pearl. Both of them gladly sold everything they owned to make that treasure theirs. Jesus was teaching us about a treasure even greater than a chest of gold or a priceless pearl: the kingdom of heaven. Nothing we own can compare with belonging to God’s kingdom.
God’s kingdom is King Jesus ruling in our hearts. Jesus may not promise us expensive clothes, a fancy house, or thousands of online followers. He promises something infinitely better—eternal things. He forgives every sin. He will raise the dead on the Last Day. He has opened heaven for all who believe in him.
Be honest: would you sometimes rather have Jesus give you a new phone, a giant flatscreen, or a bigger house instead of invisible gifts like forgiveness and heaven? Our sinful hearts are easily excited by shiny new things. But how long do those things stay new? Today’s newest phone will eventually stop working. The biggest screen will be replaced by an even bigger one. Toys break. Clothes wear out. Games become boring. But the kingdom of heaven will never grow outdated, never wear out, and never be surpassed.
A man named James Howells accidentally threw away a computer hard drive containing $800 million worth of bitcoin. He tried to buy the landfill for $73 million to search for it. His request was denied. Imagine knowing that your treasure was buried somewhere underneath a mountain of garbage! He was willing to spend a fortune trying to recover it, but he could not get it back.
Thankfully, the treasure Jesus gives can never be buried in a landfill, lost underneath the bed, stolen by a thief, or accidentally thrown away. We did not have to sell everything to purchase it. We couldn’t purchase it—even if we owned all the money in the world. Jesus gave up everything to make that treasure yours. He left heaven, carried your sins, and won for you a place in God’s kingdom forever.
Jesus doesn’t want your stuff; he only wants your heart so he can teach it to say, “Jesus, you are my treasure.”
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help us treasure your kingdom above all things. Forgive us when we love our possessions more than we love you. Keep our hearts fixed on your forgiveness, your promises, and the eternal life you have won for us. 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 a treasure? (hint: a favorite thing that you own)
- What is the greatest treasure that God has given to you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What did the two men in Jesus’ parables find? What were they willing to give up to have it?
- What kind of treasure would be so valuable that you would gladly give up all your toys, games, and electronics to have it?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How can you tell when something you own has become too important to your heart?
- Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). What might the way you spend your time, attention, and money reveal about your treasure?
