EMBRACING THE CALL
Y O U A N D T I T U S 2 N E W S L E T T E R
September 2022
Treasuring Christ Above All
Vol. 20
Matthew 13:44-46
44 "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. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Christian women know the greatest treasure life has to offer, a personal relationship with Jesus. In the simplicity of two short parables, Jesus describes how one behaves when she finds the rarest treasure among all others (Matthew 13:44-46). Without hesitation, she forsakes everything else to experience the greatest.
Jesus modeled this for us by leaving the glory of heaven to purchase our redemption from sin. Philippians 2:5-8 tells us,
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was an act of love beyond measure. He left the glory of heaven to be the propitiation for sin because of what He treasured. Propitiation refers to the act necessary to satisfy the wrath of God for the judgment our sins deserve. Jesus gave His all for a relationship with you (Ephesians 5:2).
People reveal their greatest treasure in the way they live. A man once came to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" After the man affirmed his personal efforts in achieving his objective, Jesus got to the heart of the matter, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." What a great tragedy that the man walked away from Jesus because the treasure of his heart was his possessions. Peter got it right when he said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68-69).
Jesus is the greatest treasure. Where a woman’s treasure is, her heart is there also (Luke 12:34). This passion within her is revealed by how she makes the large and the small decisions of life. Who is she seeking to please and where does she look for daily wisdom? The answer becomes very simple because she has the greatest treasure. There is nothing any person could ever do, give up, or ever have enough of to purchase salvation as in the parable of the merchant. However, praise God, He treasured us and sent His Son to make the transaction. The propitiation was made by the greatest treasure, Jesus Christ!
Learning About the Greatest Treasure
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Matthew 19:16-22
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" 17 And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 20 The young man said to him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
The following Scripture passages and discussion questions can provide conversation starters on the treasure of Christ.
Philippians 2:5-8
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Ephesians 5:2
2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Luke 12:34
34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 19:16-22
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" 17 And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 20 The young man said to him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
John 6:38–39
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.
John 6:66-69
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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How does Philippians 2:5-8 help to understand God’s great love for His children? How should His example of love impact how we love Him (Ephesians 5:2)?
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Luke 12:34 is a very simple verse that speaks volumes. How would you explain it to another woman? Discuss examples of seeing the truth of this verse in your life or the lives of others who have influenced you.
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Many mothers say what they treasure most in life is their child. Discuss various ways this can hinder a woman’s marriage, parenting, and spiritual growth?
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Just as the man walked away from Jesus because he treasured his possessions (Matthew 9:16-22), what are various things that seek to steal the hearts of women today? What statements reveal the treasure of Peter’s heart in John 6:68-69?
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Why is the testimony of Christian lives important for others to see (Matthew 5:14-16)?
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In John 6:38-39, Jesus clearly reveals the goal of His mission. What is the goal? How does His mission impact your desire to share the good news of Christ with others? How would you explain to them the concept of propitiation?
