Matthew 13: 44-46

Matthew 13: 44-46

 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.

Dear Congregation

What a beautiful allusion! You played it so vividly – one could really empathise: the amazement at the treasure, the joy of finding it, but also the doubts – the ‘You're crazy!’ was clearly audible. Many of us know exactly what that feels like when it comes to faith. Like the farmer and the merchant in Jesus' parable, you too have shown that there are things in life that are worth putting everything else aside for.

And you have honestly shown how difficult it is to let go of what seems important to us – the mobile phone, the music, the ball, the whatever is ‘my treasure’. It is so easy to say – and yet so difficult to understand: our faith is such a precious treasure. Those who do not believe may think: the man who wants to sell everything to acquire this treasure is exaggerating. I heard Amy's ‘You're crazy!’ very clearly. It also seems exaggerated to put all your eggs in one basket. Is that wise?

That's what those who haven't experienced it ask. But the New Testament repeatedly tells of precisely this experience: people find Jesus – and it changes their whole lives. I remember my own confirmation period well. It changed my life too. I encountered Jesus in people. They were special people – they saw something in me that I hadn't yet discovered myself. These were people who cared deeply about our world. People who were firmly convinced that we can live together peacefully and justly. These were people who found strength in prayer and whose Christian hymns gave them great courage to face life. That was the treasure they had found while reading the Bible – and which they wanted to pass on to us confirmands. And to be honest, I wanted to be like them. They radiated something that gave me confidence – self-confidence and confidence that, despite all the hardships in this world, it is possible to live a good life.

Yes, I can understand that when you find such a treasure, you act quickly and do everything you can to hold on to it. But I have also realised that no matter how long someone digs in their field, if there is no treasure there, they will not find any. This means that faith cannot be manufactured. It is given to us as a gift. Just as treasure is discovered and not earned.

Today you are introducing yourselves to your congregation here. In your skit, you have credibly shown how difficult it is to let go of what is precious to us. And yet, what God places in our lives is even more precious.

It is a treasure that remains, even when other things pass away.

Here in Johannesburg, where so many languages, cultures and histories meet, our German-speaking congregation is like a little treasure in a field.

A place where we share our faith, find friendship and seek God. Here you can feel that God's “yes” applies to each and every one of you. You are seen, loved and blessed by Him. Your treasure hunt continues – in this congregation, in religious education classes, at camp or in other encounters, perhaps even quietly on your own.

I sincerely hope that in such moments you feel that God is with you. God helps you find what you need and gives you people who will search with you when you don't know what to do. And to all those who have already had such experiences, I would like to say:

Tell others about them! Because stories of faith are like little sparks – they can inspire others. I hope that your faith will become more and more precious to you as you go through life. That you will find in God the treasure that sustains you – no matter what life brings.

Amen.