Read: Matthew 13:44-46| Listen: Matthew 13

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. Matthew 13:45

 At the center of God’s kingdom stands the King himself. Life in the kingdom means life with Jesus. He is the treasure in the field and the pearl of great value. Jesus promises rest to the weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28). He promises the light of life to all who follow him (John 8:12). He declares himself the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). Unlike every other voice, Jesus never breaks his word. So when he calls people to repent, he does not simply call them away from sin. He calls them to himself.

 The gospel—the good news about Jesus—is the best news we will ever hear. Each of us has sinned and stands separated from our holy God. We cannot fix ourselves. But Jesus came near. He lived the perfect life we could not live, died on the cross to pay for our sin, and rose from the grave. God forgives us, makes us his children, and gives us eternal life when we repent and trust in him. We receive salvation by grace, not as a reward we earn. We never outgrow this good news. Daily, we keep coming back to Jesus, not to earn his love but to enjoy it. Repentance is a gift. Whatever we turn from, the one we turn toward is our greatest treasure.

 TODAY: Turn to Jesus in prayer. If you have never placed your trust in him, today can be the day you repent and enter his kingdom. Learn what it means to follow Jesus at adabible.org/salvation. If you already trust him, make repentance a daily practice. Confess your sin and ask for his help to treasure him above everything else.