“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” - Matthew 13:44 NIV
sometimes
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, Who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” - 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” - Matthew 7:9-11 NIV
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“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” - Matthew 13:44 NIV
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived––the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
“This grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” - Ephesians 3:8 NIV
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“…in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” - Matthew 13:44 NIV
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It would be a
“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him.” - Philippians 2:8-9 NIV
Discussion Guide
📖Sermon Summary: For What It’s Worth
In this message, Pastor Thomas-Steele explores what it really means to follow Jesus by reflecting on Matthew 13:44, where Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field—so valuable that a man joyfully sells everything he owns to obtain it.
Using a personal story about reluctantly giving away a box of candy in college, Pastor Thomas-Steele draws attention to how sacrifice can feel heavy—especially when we don’t fully grasp the value of what we’re gaining. He challenges the common belief that following Jesus is mostly about giving things up and living a life of restriction. Instead, he invites us to see the truth: life with Jesus is a treasure of immeasurable worth, and anything we give up to gain Him is no real loss at all.
The sermon reframes sacrifice as joy, not sorrow—because when we see Jesus for who He truly is, we recognize that even the hardest trade-offs are like exchanging trash for treasure. This message calls believers to joyfully live in God’s kingdom now, rather than just endure this life for the promise of heaven later. The key question: Do we really see Jesus as worth everything?
💡Key Points:
Giving Up Can Get Us Down—But It Shouldn’t Stay That Way
We often feel the weight of sacrifice when we give up things we love—whether it’s comfort, control, or convenience. But Jesus never calls us to give up anything without offering something far greater in return.
The Kingdom of Heaven Is a Treasure, Not a Trade-Off
Jesus describes life with Him as a hidden treasure worth joyfully surrendering everything to gain. Following Jesus isn’t about misery now for mercy later—it’s about discovering a treasure so valuable, the cost becomes joyfully irrelevant.
It’s No Sacrifice to Give Up What Could Never Measure Up
When we fail to see Jesus as the treasure, we cling to things that won’t last. But when we recognize His true worth, we willingly and joyfully let go—because what we gain in Him is infinitely more than what we lose.
❓Discussion Questions
Icebreaker:
Can you think of a time when you had to give something up—big or small—that felt difficult in the moment, but turned out to be worth it later? What made it worth it?
Perspective Check:
Pastor Thomas-Steele said, “It’s no sacrifice to give up what could never measure up.” What are some things in your life that might feel like a sacrifice to surrender—but pale in comparison to knowing Jesus?
Joyful Surrender:
The man in Jesus’ parable sells everything with joy to obtain the treasure. Why do you think joy is so often missing in our obedience or sacrifice? What can help restore that joy?
Kingdom Misunderstood:
How have you seen people (maybe even yourself) misunderstand what it means to follow Jesus—seeing it as giving up all enjoyment or happiness? How does Matthew 13:44 challenge that view?
Treasure Revealed:
If someone watched your life for a week, what would they say your “treasure” is? What might need to shift so your life reflects that Jesus truly is your greatest treasure?
🏃♂️Application Challenges:
Identify and Surrender Your “Field”:
Take time this week to pray and ask God if there’s anything you’re holding onto that’s keeping you from fully experiencing the treasure of life in His kingdom. Write it down—and take one intentional step toward surrendering it to Him.
Live Like It’s Treasure:
Choose one way this week to joyfully live out your faith—whether it’s through generosity, forgiveness, serving someone, or sharing your story. Do it not out of obligation, but as a celebration of the treasure you’ve found in Jesus.