What does it mean to value something? Where do our treasures lie? This message focuses on the importance of putting God’s blessings first and foremost in our lives. There are a lot of things that we might invest time and money in, which can even become idols, and ultimately don’t last. Demonstrate a potential “false treasure” for kids to emphasize that we should keep our treasures—and our hearts—in Heaven.
Law/Gospel Theme: We often put our hope and value in treasures that do not satisfy in the long run. When our deepest hearts’ desire is for Christ, we will not be disappointed. God has given us His kingdom and provides for all our needs. If our treasure is in Him, our hearts will be at peace.
Message: Note: As with most messages, the details of how you choose to communicate this are adaptable and should cater to timing as well as to your audience and student needs. In this specific example, running (or any sport) medals and trophies are used as the “treasure.” Feel free to use whatever sort of hobby or favorite collection works for your unique needs.
More Resources
- Watch the video demonstration of the object lesson
- Watch the video example for the craft projects
- Watch the video Bible Story “Parable of the Wealthy Man” from Saddleback Kids
- Compare an alternate children’s sermon on treasure in Heaven
- Download a coloring page on the parable of the rich fool from Christian Clip Arts
Object Lesson (5 minutes)
Greet children and have some sort of personal “treasure” to describe.
Hello, children of God! What is something that you treasure? What are the most valuable things in your life? (Allow responses). You know, you can often tell what a person treasures in their life by the things they spend the most time and attention on. When we care about something, we put effort into it, and often money, too! For instance, I happen to love running. It’s something that I enjoy doing, and I spend a lot of time on it. Over the years, I have logged a lot of miles and taken a lot of hours to run and race. It’s pretty evident because I talk about running a lot, and I have a lot of things connected to it. (Hold up items as they are described) I have a lot of running shoes and clothes, and I have souvenir shirts from different races I’ve been involved in. I also have a lot of medals! Here are a few of my favorite ones. I keep them organized by the type of race, whether I placed well, and other things. These are all special items to me and remind me of the hard work and passion I put into this sport.
But here’s an important thing to consider: These things don’t really last forever. As much as I love to run, I won’t be able to do it all my life. Eventually my body will wear out and I’ll have to take up fishing or something. My medals and T-shirts will fade, my shoes will fall apart. Running won’t satisfy me for life. In fact, I could twist my ankle and get hurt, and not even be able to run! If I put all my hope and joy into the sport, I’ll wind up disappointed. It can’t be the number one part of who I am. People put value in a lot of different things. For some, it might be a hobby or sport. For others, maybe it’s money or career or success. Maybe it’s a favorite collection item! But none of that will last for long.
However, there is a treasure that’s far greater than sports, or trophies and medals, or hobbies, or anything else I can do. Jesus reminds us that God promises us a Heavenly kingdom. He wants to bless us and give us good things, and He promises to always take care of us. As such, we should focus not on getting things or having money, or even being successful in certain hobbies or sports. Our focus should be on more than that. The Bible says that our hearts will be where our treasure is. That means that if we treasure things of Earth, or temporary items, we might get stuck focusing on those things, and miss out on what God has for us. But if we treasure Jesus, our hearts will rest in Him. If we remember that Heaven is our true treasure and future home, our hearts will be there! When we pray, study God’s word, and put Him first in our lives, we will build up that treasure that never runs out, fades, or disappoints. So, remember where to put true valuables. It’s okay to have nice things. It’s okay to have hobbies. But we want people to know us for how we love Jesus. You can tell I treasure running by how much I talk about it and spend time on it. Well, I should be spending time and talking about Jesus even more! It should be clear that He is my greatest joy.
Why don’t we say a prayer to thank God for His blessings, and ask Him to help us focus on Him as our heart’s treasure…
Prayer: Have kids repeat each line
Dear God,
Thank you for all of your blessings.
Remind us that true treasure is found in You.
Help us to trust in you and be grateful
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!
Luke 12:22-34 NIV
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. (23) For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. (24) Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! (25) Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? (26) Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? (27) “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. (28) If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! (29) And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. (30) For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. (31) But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (32) “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. (33) Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. (34) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.