The Real Treasure

What does it mean to follow Jesus?  In Matthew 8 we found out the "cost of following Jesus" when two people asked about being disciples; Jesus told them the high stakes of such a commitment.  This concept is boldly emphasized by Jesus in two of the parables told in Matthew 13.

Matthew 13:44-46
   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.

The kingdom of heaven is not a trivial pursuit, not passing fad.  When a person finds the kingdom, they are willing to sell everything in order to have it.  This concept is repeated twice.

How much does it cost to follow Jesus?  When, you would be right if you said that there is no joining fee for the church.  Being a follower of Jesus does not cost you a certain amount of money.  God does not just want a little bit of you, though.  He wants all of you - all your time, abilities, talents, possessions - he wants it all.  Living for Jesus and not being tied to 'things' will free a person to live the way that Jesus intends.

So if you've given everything to God, what does he do with all of it?  Most of the time, he gives it back.  But when you get it back, you have a new perspective.  When I am willing to give my house to God, then I do not see it as my possession to protect but God's possession to use.  How do I use it?  Who do I invite?  How do I live as though this is really God's house which he has entrusted to me for a few years?

What about my money, my phone, my time... what would it look like to live as if those were all of God's things which I get to use for a while?  While the answer to that question might be hard and different for different people, I believe it is the right question to be asking.

But while this is a nice message, it is probably not the central message of this parable.  If you think through any of the parables (The Sower, The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son, The Lost Sheep, etc.), the main character is almost always Jesus.   Jesus is the man who sows good seed.  Jesus is the Good Samaritan who helps the injured Jew.  Jesus is the shepherd who finds his lost sheep.  Jesus is the guy who found a great treasure and gave everything to have that treasure, including his life.

And what is that treasure that he found?  That treasure is you. He gave all that he had to buy this treasure, even his life.  You are worth everything to Jesus!