Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.

What is the last thing you purchased for the purpose of improving your life? Every day, we encounter hundreds of proposals about how we should spend our money, time, and attention. Advertisements, products, and opportunities promise to make our lives better—healthier, happier, more successful, or more fulfilled.

Each of these proposals asks us to run a kind of cost–benefit analysis: Is this worth it? Will this truly improve my life? Jesus offers a different kind of proposal.

In Matthew 13:44, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man discovers the treasure, he joyfully sells everything he owns in order to obtain it. Jesus is telling us that there is one thing worth everything. It is as valuable as buried treasure. It is like a precious pearl.

The “it” Jesus is pointing to is life in the kingdom of God through discipleship to him. It is a life spent knowing Jesus, learning his ways, and becoming like him. The invitation of the parable is simple but profound:

Consider the cost. Consider the benefit. Decide whether it is worth it.

The life Jesus offers—one filled with love, joy, peace, and purpose—is the greatest treasure we could ever discover.