Jesus, Worth Our All - The Crosswalk Devotional - November 20

Jesus, Worth Our All
By Emma Danzey

Matthew 13:44-46 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."

Jesus uses many parables throughout His time recorded on earth. He compares His kingdom in Matthew 13 to a treasure hidden in a field that is purchased by a man with all he has and a merchant who finds one great pearl and sells all he has to buy it. In comparing this, He is essentially saying that when you discover the beautiful gift of salvation from Him, you will do whatever you can to be a part and invest in His Kingdom work. Commentator, Matthew Henry elaborates, “Though nothing can be given as a price for this salvation, yet much must be given up for the sake of it.”

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure. This is so true that it is such a beautiful and mysterious gift that the Perfect God would come down to us in flesh as Jesus and take on our sins through death and raise Himself back to life. He ascended into heaven and now sits at God’s right hand. He has sent us His Holy Spirit. Even though God wishes no one perishes, not everyone accepts this treasures or see it for what it is. To them, it is difficult to understand or believe what they cannot see with their own eyes. When we know what we have been given and found in Jesus, there is a drive and a confidence in His great love and plan that we are thankful and seeking after more and more.

Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
When we truly understand what Jesus has done for us, we will give all we have back to Him. We will share our time, talents, finances, resources, and lives. Jesus not only bore the cross, but He invites us to pick up our crosses and follow Him.

Matthew 26:24-26 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”

Life following Jesus is not easy, but we can have great joy in the price of living lives that honor Him and be involved in His kingdom work every day through the power of the Holy Spirit. We “sell” or give up what we thought was good for what Jesus has, which is best.

John 16:22 says, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

“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."
Another example given is a merchant in search of fine pearls. Everyone in life is seeking after purpose, significance, and their identity. Just like this merchant found the pearl of great value, when we discover Jesus’ love for us and accept His gift of salvation, everything else pails in comparison to His amazing gift. We become fully aware of our sin and His forgiveness. We are in awe that God created us for a purpose and to be part of His kingdom. We are humbled that Jesus loves us, and we are willing to let go of everything else and put Him first because we have finally discovered what life is all about, Him.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
What makes the kingdom of Heaven so exciting to you? How have you found joy, even in sacrifices for the sake of Christ?

Further Reading:

Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.