A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

I NEED YOU, PRECIOUS JESUS    

Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like 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.” (See also Matthew 13:45-46)  In Biblical times, historians have discovered men of wealth often divided it into three parts: one for doing business, another they converted into precious stones with which to flee … and, a third they buried in a safe place.” (Lenski, Commentary on Matthew, p. 541) Jesus based today’s parable upon this practice.  God sent His Son Jesus into the world to save its inhabitants from eternal damnation because of their sins. However, Jesus is like the hidden treasure of today’s parable. God did not hide Him far off in the heavens . . .” No, there no one could find Jesus who is more valuable than all the wealth of the world. Rather, God sent Him into the world where He can be found.    

The Shepherds found Him in a stable in Bethlehem. The Wise men found Him in a home in Bethlehem. God revealed Him to Zaccheus from a tree. The field where Jesus is “buried” for you is the Bible. As you read, study and listen to it, the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to you and the treasure He is for your soul. 

For the farmer the treasure was so great he sold all that he had in order to purchase the field and have undisputed possession of the treasure. For you, the treasure of Jesus is so great that the faith you have been given in Him takes precedence to everything else in your life. Jesus Christ is more precious than the Crown Jewels. He is more precious than the Hope Diamond. He is more precious than the billions that the rich own. Jesus Is Precious Because There Is no other way unto God except through faith in Him. To Him be the glory and honor.   

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me every day to give thanks and praise to God for His gift to me of faith in His Son who is more precious than diamonds, rubies, sapphires, gold, silver, and the like. Amen. 

I need thee, precious Jesus, for I am full of sin;  My soul is dark and guilty, My heart is dead within.  I need the cleansing fountain Where I can always flee,  The blood of Christ most precious, the sinner’s perfect plea. 

I need thee, precious Jesus, For I am very poor;  A stranger and a pilgrim, I have no earthly store.  I need the love of Jesus To Cheer me on my way,   To guide my doubting footsteps, To be my strength and say. 

I need thee, precious Jesus, And hope to see thee soon,  Encircled with the rainbow And seated on Thy throne.   There, with thy blood-bought children, My joy shall ever be,  To sing my Jesus’ praises, To gaze, O Lord, on thee.  (Frederick Whitfield, 1829. Public Domain)