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 say