What would you do if you found something so valuable, so life-altering, that you gladly gave up everything else just to have it? That’s the image Jesus gives us in Matthew 13—two brief parables, one powerful message. They remind us of a truth that can reframe not just our faith, but our finances, especially in uncertain times.

In Matthew 13:44–46, Jesus says:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

In both parables, something of immense value is found, and the response is total surrender. But not begrudgingly. Not in fear. In joy. That joy is everything. It’s the natural overflow of discovering something so worthy, so beautiful, so eternally good that it reorders your entire life. All other pursuits fade in comparison.

But What About When Life Feels Like a Storm?

Let’s be honest—most days don’t feel like we’ve just struck eternal treasure. In today’s economy, with interest rates up, inflation lingering, and layoffs still in the news, you might feel like you’re just trying to stay afloat. You’re not alone if you’re grasping for security, calculating risks, or losing sleep over your monthly expenses.

But here’s the good news: even in uncertain times, Jesus extends the same invitation. He’s saying there is something more valuable than everything you own. And that something is someone—Him.

When Christ Is Your Treasure, Money Loses Its Grip

When Jesus becomes your treasure, money loses its power to control you. You’re no longer tethered to the markets, to your salary, or to your fears. Your peace isn’t tied to your portfolio—it’s anchored in God’s unshakable Kingdom.

That’s what Paul discovered in Philippians 3:7–8:

“Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Paul had status and influence, but he gave it all up when he found the true treasure in Christ.

We see this again in the Macedonian believers in 2 Corinthians 8. Even in deep poverty, they gave with joy—not because they had extra, but because they understood Christ's surpassing worth. They didn’t view giving as a loss but as a gain.

The Paradox of the Kingdom: Loss Becomes Gain

Here’s the paradox: when you release your grip on material things, you make room to take hold of eternal things. Stewardship becomes joyful. Giving becomes worship. And peace begins to replace pressure.

But let’s not pretend it’s always easy. Sometimes, the treasure feels far away. The joy is buried beneath fear. The anxiety drowns out trust. Jesus anticipated this, too. In Matthew 10:29–31, He says:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father... Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

God sees you. He knows your needs. And His care for you isn’t based on your net worth, but your infinite worth to Him.

A Resource for Your Journey: Look at the Sparrows

That’s the heartbeat behind our 21-day devotional, Look at the Sparrows. Created by our team at FaithFi, this devotional helps center your heart on God’s promises, His presence, and His provision.

Because when you’re standing in a storm, you need more than a budget—you need a Savior. And He’s not far off. As Jeremiah 29:13 promises:

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

When Jesus is your treasure, everything changes. You steward your money with open hands, not clenched fists. You invest in what truly matters. You trade the stress of accumulation for the peace of contentment. And yes, joy returns.

So if your heart is anxious today, remember the man who bought the field. Remember the merchant who found the pearl. And remember the Savior who invites you to find lasting treasure in Him.

Order your copy of Look at the Sparrows at FaithFi.com. Click “Shop” to get a copy for yourself—or buy in bulk for your church or small group.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I'm retired and living on Social Security with no debt. I have key expenses paid off, and I'm pulling about $1,900 a month from Social Security. Whenever I have a significant project for the house, I pull money out of an IRA that my broker has set up. Is this the best way to finance these projects so that I can remain debt-free and avoid incurring any interest?
• I have a 401(k), and I'm wondering how I can invest according to my values with the available options. It seems like the only options are big companies that I'd rather not invest in. Do you have any suggestions?
• We recently sold our house for a good profit, and I'd like to know how we should tithe on it. Do we tithe on the full amount we received, or only what goes above the initial price and the interest we paid on it?
• My wife and I are purchasing a home this year. The credit union offers us a standard 30-year mortgage with one monthly payment and a bi-weekly payment plan. I want to know which option would be better and the pros and cons.
• I used to be poor about 25 years ago and filed bankruptcy for $3,500. Now I receive my ex-husband's Social Security, and I would like to see about possibly paying back the bankruptcy debt.

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• List of Faith-Based Investment Funds
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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