Slices
Prepare
Where is your ‘treasure’? Ask God to help you fix your eyes on him alone.
Bible passage
Fasting
16 ‘When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Treasures in heaven
19 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 ‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Explore
What goals do you have for your life? We might think that as Christians we’re doing pretty well; for example, giving to others (v 2), praying (v 5) and fasting (v 16). But who are you doing it for? Watch out that you’re not deceiving yourself and in fact being a hypocrite (vs 2,5,16)! Could it be that as disciples of Jesus we’re still torn between seeking ‘treasures on earth’ and in heaven?
It won’t work! Where your treasure is, there your heart is (v 21). Earthly treasures (achievements and goals) easily get stolen or destroyed (v 20). But treasure that’s found in God’s kingdom is safe. When we see clearly, according to Jesus’ words, our whole life is filled with light (v 22). Our unease as followers of Christ often comes because we keep looking over our shoulder at the treasures of the world. We can’t serve two masters (v 24)!
Jesus was not condemning his disciples, but teaching them (and us) to see differently as we learn to live in his upside-down kingdom. Peace comes when we turn away from the world, its preoccupation with self-aggrandisement and material possessions, and instead devote ourselves entirely to loving God and seeking his kingdom (v 24).
Respond
Pray: ‘Father God, forgive me when I become preoccupied with “treasures on earth”. Help me seek to serve you and your kingdom in all I do. Amen.’
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 41,42; Matthew 15
Pray for Scripture Union
At the start of this new year, please pray for Jordan and all SU Mission Enablers and Faith Guides. Ask God to energise and encourage them as they work together to reveal Jesus to more children and young people who may know little of him.
