Treasure Always demands a response

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Over the past several weeks, we’ve been exploring what it means to treasure something. But not in the usual sense of treasuring things—money, possessions, success. Instead, we’ve been shifting the focus from the “what” to the “who”. The true treasure we’ve been called to pursue is Jesus.

Jesus understood that this would be hard for us. He knew how deeply our hearts could become entangled with the things of this world. That’s why He taught this in Matthew 6:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”— Matthew 6:19–21

So now that we’ve talked about who the true Treasure is… what’s next? What’s your response?

I was recently walking through the art aisle at a craft store with my daughter. We admired beautiful, detailed desert landscapes and vibrant florals—pieces that drew emotion.

Then we turned a corner and saw a massive canvas… all tan. Some texture, yes—but one color. I laughed, wondering how anyone considered that art.

Here’s the thing—art always evokes a response. Whether you love it, hate it, or feel indifferent—you still respond.

And the same is true with Jesus.

In John 12, Jesus attends a banquet in Bethany, just six days before Passover. Some believe it was a celebration of Lazarus’ resurrection. The scene reveals three distinct responses to Jesus:

1. Mary — Worship and Honor

Mary pours out a full pound of expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. This wasn’t just a moment of beauty—it was costly, vulnerable, and heartfelt.

Mary knew the worth of Jesus. She saw Him as Treasure and responded with love and extravagant worship.

2. Judas — Judgment and Selfishness

Judas immediately criticizes Mary. “Why wasn’t that perfume sold and given to the poor?” he asks—not out of care, but because he was stealing from the group’s funds. He couldn’t see the value in Jesus; he only saw wasted money. His heart was tethered to earthly treasure.

3. The Crowd — Curiosity and Neutrality

The crowd showed up too—but not for Jesus. They came to see Lazarus. They were curious, interested in the miracle, but not moved to worship. They stood at a distance, spectators instead of followers. Later, many of these same people would shout, “Crucify Him.” Neutral doesn’t stay neutral.

Neutral Is a Dangerous Place

Jesus warns us in Revelation 3:

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm... I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”— Revelation 3:15–16

That’s strong language—but it’s said out of love. Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts, longing to enter. Not just to visit, but to live there.

Even if you’ve already chosen to follow Jesus—like Judas, like the church in Laodicea—you’re still faced with daily decisions. How will you respond to Jesus today?

Will you:

• Worship like Mary?

• Judge and resist like Judas?

• Stay neutral like the crowd?

In two of Jesus’ parables, a man finds a treasure in a field and another finds a pearl of great value. Both sell everything to gain what they’ve found.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure... When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”— Matthew 13:44

That’s what Jesus is worth. Everything.

Jesus is still knocking. Still inviting. Still waiting.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”— Revelation 3:20

So… what is your response?