The Treasure Map

For the 12th Sunday after Pentecost or Proper 18

(Lectionary 23)

Scripture Reference: Psalm 119:33-48 “Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.”

Preparation: Create a treasure map that leads to a hidden treasure somewhere on the church grounds. Plant a “treasure” for the children to find; small candies or toys with bible verse bookmarks or something of that sort.

Does anyone here know how to read a map? (Let children respond.) What kinds of maps have you seen before? (Answers may include road maps, world maps, etc.) I have a treasure map with me this morning. Do you think you could help me read this map? What is this map showing me? Is it showing me how to find something? (Children answer.) Yes! It is showing me how to find a small treasure which is really hidden nearby.

I have another map with me this morning. It looks different from this treasure map but it shows me the way to the most valuable treasure in all of the universe. (Show the children a Bible.)This Bible tells me about Jesus and shows me the map for my life. It shows me how to live my life until I join my Savior in heaven after my life is over.

Psalm 119 says, “Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.” And it also says, “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” When we walk the path of God’s commands, we are following a path to heaven, to an eternity with the God who loves us. And it is not just the treasure that brings us joy; the journey to the treasure, walking our path of faith, is a wonderful adventure in itself.

After the church service, I would like to invite all of you to join me on a treasure hunt. We’ll meet at the door of the church and I will bring my treasure map and we can go on a treasure hunt to find a small treasure while we remember the greatest treasure that we all have in our Savior Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us in the Bible a map of faith to follow. Help us to live out our lives with obedience and joy in your love. Amen.