In Matthew 6:19–24, Jesus calls His followers to evaluate their priorities, contrasting earthly wealth with heavenly treasures. This passage challenges believers to examine where their hearts are truly invested, warning against the dangers of materialism and divided loyalty. As part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ teaching on treasures in heaven aligns with the overarching theme of kingdom living—where righteousness, faith, and eternal values take precedence over worldly pursuits. This essay will explore Jesus’ teaching on wealth, spiritual focus, and devotion to God, offering practical applications for believers today.
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The Danger of Earthly Treasures
1. “Do Not Store Up for Yourselves Treasures on Earth”
Jesus begins with a command:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19).
This statement does not mean that wealth itself is inherently evil, but it warns against making earthly possessions the primary focus of one’s life. The phrase “store up” implies hoarding or accumulating wealth in a way that prioritizes material security over spiritual devotion. Jesus highlights the impermanence of earthly treasures by pointing out how they are subject to decay (moths and vermin) and loss (theft).
Throughout history, people have sought wealth as a means of security, but the Bible consistently warns against relying on riches. Proverbs 11:28 states, “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” Wealth can disappear due to economic downturns, theft, natural disasters, or death itself. Therefore, Jesus calls His followers to invest in something far more secure.
2. The Fleeting Nature of Material Wealth
The dangers of materialism are echoed throughout Scripture. Ecclesiastes 5:10 declares, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.” Earthly riches can create an illusion of security, yet they never truly satisfy.
The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16–21 further illustrates this truth. A wealthy man hoards his abundance, planning to “take life easy,” only for God to call him to account that very night. Jesus concludes the parable with a sobering warning: “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).
Believers must recognize that earthly possessions are temporary and should never take precedence over eternal values.
The Call to Store Up Treasures in Heaven
1. “But Store Up for Yourselves Treasures in Heaven”
Jesus continues:
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20).
Heavenly treasures are the spiritual rewards that come from a life devoted to God—acts of righteousness, obedience, and service to others. Unlike earthly wealth, these treasures are eternal, secure from corruption or loss.
Examples of storing up treasures in heaven include:
- Faithful Service: Using time, talents, and resources to glorify God (Colossians 3:23–24).
- Acts of Kindness: Helping the poor, visiting the sick, and serving others (Matthew 25:34–40).
- Evangelism and Discipleship: Leading others to Christ and building them up in faith (Philippians 4:1).
- Obedience to God’s Word: Living according to His commands and pursuing righteousness (1 Timothy 6:17–19).
Jesus’ command to store up treasures in heaven shifts the believer’s focus from temporary gain to eternal reward. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2. “For Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also”
Jesus reveals a profound truth:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
The heart follows what a person values most. If someone treasures earthly wealth, their affections and priorities will be consumed by material pursuits. But if they treasure the things of God, their heart will be set on His kingdom.
This principle calls for self-examination. What do we prioritize? Do our time, energy, and resources reflect a commitment to God’s kingdom, or are they directed toward accumulating wealth and comfort? Paul exhorts believers in Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” True discipleship involves aligning our desires with God’s purposes.
The Eye as the Lamp of the Body
1. The Role of Spiritual Perception
Jesus continues with an analogy about the eye:
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22–23).
In biblical thought, the eye symbolizes one’s perspective and spiritual focus. A “healthy” eye sees clearly, focusing on God’s truth and righteousness, filling a person’s life with spiritual light. In contrast, an “unhealthy” eye represents spiritual blindness, leading to darkness and moral corruption.
This teaching connects with the previous passage on treasures. If a person’s focus is on wealth, pleasure, and self-indulgence, they will be spiritually blind, lacking true discernment. But if their vision is fixed on God and His kingdom, they will walk in the light of His truth (Psalm 119:105).
2. The Danger of Divided Focus
Jesus warns against attempting to divide one’s focus between God and worldly pursuits. James 1:8 describes such a person as “double-minded and unstable in all they do.” Divided loyalties hinder spiritual growth, making it impossible to serve God fully.
Choosing the Right Master
1. “No One Can Serve Two Masters”
Jesus concludes this section with a decisive statement:
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
This verse presents an unavoidable choice: allegiance to God or allegiance to wealth. The word “serve” implies full devotion, not casual association. Jesus makes it clear that attempting to divide loyalty between God and materialism is impossible.
Paul echoes this in 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” While money itself is not evil, the love of it leads to misplaced priorities, moral compromise, and spiritual ruin.
2. The Call to Exclusive Devotion
Jesus’ teaching demands an undivided heart. Believers must choose whom they will serve—God or the fleeting riches of this world. Joshua’s challenge to Israel remains relevant today: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). A life devoted to God brings lasting joy, peace, and eternal reward.
Practical Applications for Believers
1. Evaluating Priorities
Believers should regularly assess where their treasure lies. Are we investing in temporary possessions or eternal riches? This evaluation shapes how we use our time, finances, and abilities for God’s glory.
2. Practicing Generosity
One way to shift focus from earthly to heavenly treasures is through generosity. Giving to the poor, supporting ministry, and helping those in need reflect a heart devoted to God rather than wealth (2 Corinthians 9:6–7).
3. Developing a Kingdom Mindset
A kingdom-focused life seeks to glorify God in every decision. This involves stewarding resources wisely, seeking first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33), and trusting Him for provision.
4. Guarding Against Materialism
Believers must be vigilant against the subtle lure of materialism. Contentment in Christ, rather than in possessions, brings true fulfillment (Philippians 4:11–13).
The Gospel and Eternal Treasure
Jesus’ teaching on treasures in heaven ultimately points to the gospel. True wealth is found not in possessions but in a relationship with Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus secured eternal riches for those who trust in Him. Ephesians 1:18 speaks of “the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.”
As believers, our greatest treasure is Christ Himself. When we set our hearts on Him, we find true joy, purpose, and security that lasts forever.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teaching on treasures in heaven challenges believers to invest in what truly matters. Earthly wealth is temporary and unreliable, but heavenly treasures endure forever. By seeking God’s kingdom first, maintaining spiritual focus, and rejecting divided loyalty, believers align their lives with His eternal purposes.
For Christians today, this passage serves as both a warning and an invitation: a warning against materialism and an invitation to experience the joy of a life wholly devoted to God. May we set our hearts on the treasures of heaven, storing up eternal rewards that reflect our love for Christ and His kingdom.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
For Further Reference: A Detailed Study on the Entire Sermon on the Mount
