IV.
In another mention of treasure (Matthew 19:21-22) Jesus tells a young man who had many possessions, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”

What does that account and the kingdom stories in this week’s reading tell you about kingdom treasures?

V.
Matthew 13:44-52 (NRSVue)

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; 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; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

VI.
Jesus tells us about searching for, finding, and buying a treasure that is worth all one has.

Jesus tells the young man to divest of his possessions (and money) to have “treasure in heaven.”

What do you find is the common element in these? Is it finding, keeping, or giving?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}