JESUS AND TREASURE (Jesus Revolution - Bible Study)

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. -

MATTHEW 13:44

Can you imagine finding a buried treasure like the one Jesus described? Countless stories have been written about the adventures people experience in their pursuit of treasure. Jesus used this parable to describe the joy that comes from understanding He is King.

In the verse above, circle the word describing the man’s emotions.

Out of context, the man’s behavior would seem irrational or foolish, but here it’s obvious, joyful, and wise.

What does the man’s emotion reveal about the treasure’s value?

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A few chapters later (see Matthew 19:16-22) Jesus meets a man who asks Him about the cost of being a disciple, except this man does not greet Jesus’ invitation with joy.

At the end of this short conversation, what invitation does Jesus offer the man?

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What connection is Jesus making between eternal life, treasure in heaven, and following Him?

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Jesus wasn’t saying that a person had to sell everything that they owned in order to gain eternal life. Throughout Scripture, people from across the income spectrum follow God—from helplessly poor (like widows) to immeasurably rich (like kings). Jesus challenged this particular man because He knew the man’s possessions were keeping him from fully trusting God.

Did you notice the pride in the man’s response to Jesus? The rich young man was laser-focused on—or distracted by—his own achievements. Jesus pointed the young ruler back to the Father. God desires more than your religious activity. He wants a relationship with you.

Religion is focused on earning an eternal reward through work. A relationship with God is about accepting eternal life as a gift—a treasure to be enjoyed. In Matthew 13, the man considered the kingdom of heaven as a greater treasure than anything he had. In Matthew 19, the man sulked away because he valued earthly things over heaven.

What earthly pleasures keep you from following Jesus completely and joyfully?

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The world doesn’t need more self-righteous or “religious” people. It doesn’t need anyone to make following Jesus seem more relevant or accessible. The world needs people who are full of a joy and freedom that can only be explained by the incomparable treasure found in Jesus. When people love Jesus with that kind of passion, their lives, families, jobs, schools, churches, and communities will be radically changed—now and for eternity.

Reflect on Jesus’ revolutionary words in Matthew 6:19–34. Pray that you would trust in the goodness of God and seek His kingdom as your heart’s greatest treasure.

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