Then they scoffed, "He's just the carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers--James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.

Matthew 13:55

Every day, millions of people donate their possessions to second-hand stores for re-sale.  For some, these giveaways are just trash.  And yet, every once in a while, we hear one of those amazing stories on the news where a lucky person purchases an item for a few dollars, only to discover that the second-hand item is worth a couple million dollars?  The seemingly ordinary object, whether jewelry or a piece of art turns out to be a piece of treasure.

In Matthew 13:55, we find that those who knew Christ from an early age, repulsed him.  Jesus carried himself with such humility that the people in his village saw nothing in him, other than an ordinary carpenter’s son. They despised Christ to such an extent that he could do no mighty works in their midst due to their unbelief.  Sadly, this is how many treat Jesus today.  Such people despise the idea of a divine Savior.  They make Jesus to be ordinary; and of no consequence.  They treat him who is heaven’s treasure, like trash.

Whenever I would hear a story about someone else finding treasure at a thrift store, I would often wonder, “How is it that nothing that exciting ever happens to me?”  Then one day it hit me.  Such amazing moments can only happen to those who go to garage sales or second-hand stores and invest their time in sifting through the mountains of possible purchases to find that one unique piece of treasure.  And that’s the challenge for us, how can we expect to find spiritual treasure if we don’t invest some effort in the search?

Jeremiah 29:13 says: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Indeed, Jesus was the carpenter’s son; but he was and is fully God.  He came to this earth in the full likeness of man, but he is the Divine One who has redeemed us through his blood and sealed us with his Spirit until the day of his appearing.  While many might despise and neglect him, those who believe in him, those who acknowledge his Lordship, will discover that he is heaven's treasure freely given to us.

Dear friend, when Jesus came to earth, he was searching for you.  While you were yet a sinner, he gave himself up for you.  Will you accept his priceless gift of salvation?  Will you exchange the corruptible "trash" of this world for his priceless eternal treasure?   Grab your Bible and read John 3:16; it’s time to go treasure hunting.

Loving God, you remind me that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.  Reveal yourself to me; show me the depth of your love, as I meet you in your Holy Word.  Lead me by your Spirit to discover the treasures of your Kingdom.  Amen.