Read Matthew 13:44-46 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What does Jesus say the Kingdom of Heaven is like?
2. What did each person find in the parables?
3. And what did they do in response?
Reflect
Jesus frequently used stories, known as parables, to explain important ideas in a way that everyone could understand. In these two short parables, Jesus told His disciples that the Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than anything else they could own. And through Jesus’ example, His disciples determined that following Jesus was worth any cost.
We all have a choice in how we respond to God’s love for us. Some of us may adopt additional rules out of a fear, while others might obey in hopes to earn salvation. Yet, Jesus encourages us to respond to His love with excitement and gratitude.
When you decide that no cost is too great to follow Jesus, you’ll find that He’ll help transform every part of your life to look more like Him – not out of obligation or to achieve perfection, but out of trusting that He knows what’s best for you. Keep seeking Him, and little by little you’ll center your life around Him and reflect Him to those around you.
Respond
Reflect on a time when you responded to God's love out of fear or a sense of obligation. How might embracing Jesus' call for excitement and gratitude reshape your approach to your faith?