Why We Treasure the Bible

Treasure Text: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20, 21, NIV).

Gemma had made a special little box and decorated it with pictures. She wanted Grandma to have it, because she loved Grandma. Gemma knew exactly where she would put it. She had noticed where Grandma put her treasures, so she placed it carefully on the shelf beside some other ornaments and photos that Grandma liked to look at.

Sitting on the shelf was a book. Gemma thought that this must be a special book because it was on the special shelf. But as she opened the pages she was very concerned because someone had written in the book and underlined some of the words and paragraphs. Gemma knew that you should never write or draw in books, so she asked Grandma why her special book was underlined and written in.

Grandma explained that this book was indeed a special book. It was called a Bible. Grandma said she read it every day. The words in it, particularly the underlined words, were treasures that she wanted to remember because they connected her to Jesus and His love for her. Grandma said that the words showed her how to love Jesus and how to be like Him. The messages gave her purpose for each day and hope for her future. Grandma said she could not live without reading the messages God gave her each day.

Gemma was excited. She also wanted to love Jesus and find out more about Him. She wanted the treasure words to make her life happier. So she asked Grandma to show her how to read and understand the Bible and live with Jesus as her best friend.

Grandma was also excited. She said that there was nothing more important than sharing the words in the Bible. She explained that the Bible was like having a treasure map, and that when you spend time reading the Bible, it is like digging to find gold, silver, or precious gems.

In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus urges us not to spend our lives trying to get treasures here on earth. We should rather spend our time and money on things that Jesus would have us spend them on, so that our treasure will be in heaven. Because where our treasure is, our hearts are there also.

In a story found in Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus told His disciples that heaven is like treasure in a field. You might want to sell all you have to buy that field so you can have that treasure. The joy of being with Jesus in heaven and living with Him forever is just as precious. To get to heaven we will be happy to give up lots of things in our lives and spend time reading the Bible.

Let’s Talk
What could you spend your time and money on to receive the treasures offered in the Bible?

Let’s Pray
Ask Jesus to help you find the important treasures in His word that you need to live a holy life. Thank Him for the treasures He’s already given you.

Let’s Make
Draw a treasure map for around your room, church, or home. Hide Bible texts and show on the treasure map where to go to find them. When your friends and family have found them, read them out together.