Treasures & Pearls
Then Jesus told them this parable:
“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. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Matthew 13:44–45 (NIV)
My 3-year-old and I were coloring when a song came on and the lyrics said, “Your kingdom reigns.” She looked up at me and asked, “Mama… what does that mean?” She’s deep in her princess era, so I leaned into what she already understands. In princess stories, the princess’s daddy is usually the king. The king rules over the land, and that land is called a kingdom. There have been many kings on this earth, but every earthly kingdom has an end, I explained. Jesus is the King of kings. His rule never ends, His love never fades, and His power has no limits.
The parable of treasures & pearls is such a perfect next step for little hearts. Jesus helps us understand what His kingdom is like not with big words, but through stories of treasure, joy, and something worth choosing above all else. Here’s how we can bring this story to life with our littles.
Engage:
Step into the story. If you have jewelry at home, use it as a visual prompt let them hold it, look at it, and talk about why it feels special. As you read these verses, ask simple, playful questions to help your little one join in:
Jesus tells us that God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field. If you knew there was treasure somewhere, what would you do? You would look for it, right?
Imagine digging in the ground and suddenly wow! you find something very special buried in the dirt. How would you feel? Excited? Happy?
Then Jesus tells another story. He says God’s kingdom is also like a beautiful pearl the most special pearl of all. Someone searches and searches until they find it, and when they do, they know it’s worth everything.
Ask your child:
“What kind of treasure do you like?”
“If you found the most special treasure ever, would you want to keep it safe?”
“What makes something really special to you?”
Help them imagine the joy and excitement of finding something amazing.
Apply:
Help your child understand what this story means for them:
Choose Jesus first: Just like the treasure and the pearl were worth everything, Jesus is the most important choice we can make each day.
Look for God every day: We can seek God through prayer, reading Bible stories, singing worship songs, and talking to Him anytime.
Value what matters most: Toys, treats, and prizes are fun, but God’s love lasts forever.
Ask your child:
“How can we choose Jesus today?”
“When can we talk to Him?”
Remind them gently: Jesus’ love is the greatest treasure we could ever have.
Repeat & Reinforce:
Complete the Treasure & Pearl Challenge! Pick one activity each day, celebrate your wins, talk about it, and pray together!
Day 1 Treasure Choice
Encourage your child to notice opportunities to do something kind, helpful, or loving, like a little treasure hidden in their day.
Ask: “Did you find a treasure for God’s kingdom today?”
Celebrate each “treasure” they discover with excitement or a hug.
Day 2 Kingdom Talk
Before bed, remind your child: “God’s kingdom is bigger and better than anything. Jesus is our King, and He loves you.”
Pray together.
Day 3 Pearl of the Day
Look for one “pearl moment” today, something kind or thoughtful your child does.
Talk about why it’s special and thank God.
Day 4 Treasure Box
Do a treasure hunt at home or in your backyard.
When they find the hidden treasure, talk about how Jesus is even more valuable!
Day 5 Worship & Praise
Play a song about God’s greatness or kingdom (My little one’s favorite is “Yeshua” by Sean Feucht)
Sing together and remind them: “We worship the King of kings!”
Day 6 Reflection
Ask: “What was your favorite treasure or pearl this week?”
Encourage your child to share and thank God.
Day 7 Celebrate!
Review the week: treasure hunts, pearls, choices, songs.
Celebrate Jesus as the greatest treasure with hugs, dance, or a special snack.
Closing Thought
Remind your child: God’s kingdom is the greatest treasure of all. Just like finding a hidden treasure or the most beautiful pearl, discovering Jesus is exciting and joyful. Every day we can choose Him, talk to Him, and celebrate His love. Our littles don’t need perfect words they just need to come with curiosity, wonder, and simple faith. God treasures their hearts, their questions, and their seeking spirits, and nothing is too small or too big for Him.
To help bring this lesson to life:
Watch this fun 3-minute sing-along from The Dead Sea Squirrels - Minno!
For even more hands-on fun, pair it with the activity sheet.
Love,
Gi 🤍
Treasures & Pearls Activity Sheet
Bring Matthew 13:44 to life with this 2-page Treasure & Pearl activity sheet! Page 1 features a memory verse fill-in, a short reflection question, and a simple prayer prompt, helping little ones connect with the story and grow in faith. Page 2 is a hands-on Treasure Match Quest, where children search for the matching object, building visual recognition, focus, and fine motor skills while reinforcing the parable in a playful, engaging way. Perfect for preschoolers, this activity sheet blends faith formation with early learning skills a fun and meaningful way to explore God’s kingdom!
"The Kingdom of God" Music Video (Performed by Matthew West) from The Dead Sea Squirrels on Minno
