θησαυρός: Discover What You Truly Value
thésauros: treasure, storehouse, treasury
This week’s Greek word is used in Matthew 2:11 to describe the “treasures” the magi presented to Jesus—think of the precious gifts we see the "wise men" holding in all our nativity scenes. The Greek word is literally; treasures. For me, that takes the understanding so much deeper than just gifts they threw together from Macy's (or a discount store if you're anything like me!). These "gifts" were of real value; they were treasure.
Why did they give baby Jesus their treasures? Because they saw Him as not only worthy, but as the ultimate treasure. Interestingly, each gift points to Christ's roles as prophet, priest, and king! Frankincense was used by priests in worship. Gold is commonly known to be kingly(also the arc of the covenant and holy of holies were coated in gold). Finally, myrrh was an oil for anointing, acknowledging his prophetic role. These gifts honored Christ but also spoke of His identity, as everything they had searched the skies for.
But lets get back to this word used in Matt. 2:11 for "gifts" or "treasures". The next time this word pops up is Matthew 6:19-21, where it's repeated 3 times for emphasis. This is when Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth, but instead to treasure what lasts forever. It’s a reminder to think about what we truly value. It's to make us ask ourselves, "What is my treasure? Because just a few chapters ago Christ's coming was honored as the ultimate treasure!"
Matthew continues to ask us throughout the rest of the gospel, "what is your treasure?" as we read 12:35, 13:44-52, and 19:21. So I ask you, "what is your treasure?"
Just like the magi’s 'gifts', the things we call “treasure” reveal what’s most important to us.
What are you treasuring this season, and how can you make sure your heart is set on what matters most?
Scriptures where we find "thēsauros":
Matthew 2:11 — "opening their treasures, they presented"
Matthew 19:21 — “and you will have treasure in heaven"
Matt 12:35 — "out of the good treasure of his heart"
