Initiate

A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.

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Interact

After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others. 

"You get what you pay for."

Do you agree or disagree? Why?

If you agree, can you give an example of something where the higher price equals higher quality or better value?

If you disagree, can you think of situations where the price is high, but the value isn't as great? Or where something cheap is precious?

You don't pay $2 for a water bottle when there's a water fountain nearby or easy access to water. But if you're lost in the woods, your car breaks down in the desert, or you're stranded on a hot highway, that $2 bottle of water suddenly becomes worth much more—maybe even priceless.

Can you think of other examples?

When do you find that the value of something is worth the effort, sacrifice, or cost?  (Getting an education and learning is worth the cost; you can't put a price on having a friend, and consider the value of health. 

Explore the short parable and discuss the meaning and its application today.

Insight

The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.

Then participants are to ask:

1. What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
2. What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
3. Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
4. What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?

Read Matthew 13:44-46:

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

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.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Download Matthew 13:44-66

The Kingdom of Heaven, or the Kingdom of God, is the place where God rules. While it's true that God is everywhere, the Kingdom is where Christ is the Lord of our hearts and minds. The citizens of God's Kingdom choose to follow Him freely and willingly.

In both stories, a person is willing to give everything they have to obtain the treasure they found. The cost—whether it's time, effort, or money—is worth it to possess the treasure.

However, there is a difference between the two scenarios: One person wasn't actively looking for treasure but found it while going about their everyday work. The opportunity came as a surprise, and they seized it. The other person, however, was searching for something specific. They recognized the value of the treasure and were willing to pay everything to obtain it.

Can you think of people in the Bible who found God when they were not looking for Him? Can you think of people searching and finding their heart's desire in a relationship with God?

What is worth everything to you? Is there anything in this life that's more valuable than an eternal relationship with Christ?

Consider the basic message in Revelation 3:18, Matthew 6:21, Luke 14:33, and Isaiah 55:1.

The idea of delayed gratification is an important concept in faith. Hope means waiting. Belief means trusting that what you experience now is just a part of something much greater to come.