OM DENNE EPISODE
Speaker: Rev. Tim Chang
Sermon Series: The Love of God
Matthew 13:44-46 (ESV)
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.
Sermon Outline
1. The love of God is broad and wide
Farmer vs merchant
Stumbles upon the treasure vs seeking a treasure
2. The love of God is valuable
Both sell everything they own to secure the treasure
There is no cost too great to gain their prize
3. The love of God is relentless
We are God’s great pearl of value
Prayer of Confession
Awesome and compassionate God, you have loved us with unfailing, self-giving mercy, but we have not loved you. You constantly call us, but we do not listen. You ask us to love, but we walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed. God of grace, as you come to us in mercy, we repent in spirit and in truth, admit our sin, and gratefully receive your forgiveness through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What connected with you from the sermon or the passage?
What was your journey like to trust in Jesus?
Who are the people you long to be rescued by God? Who are the people that you struggle to believe can receive God’s mercy?
What are the “fine pearls” in your life? How would things be different if you saw them not as ends but as a means to see the ultimate value of God?
How do you respond to the fact that Jesus sees you as his ultimate treasure?
What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?
