Knowing The Word in Matthew 6:19-24

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth [give no permanent satisfaction or security], where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven [stored up by being obedient to God is all areas or life], where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. [Jesus is concerned about his disciples’ loyalty. The problem with material wealth is that it leads to materialism.]

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! [The metaphor of a “single,” healthy eye is about exclusive loyalty to God and also alludes to an eye of generosity, detached from material concern. The body represents a whole life with the healthy eye leading it into a purposeful life for God. The bad eye is selfish and materialistic and blind to the purposes of God.]

24 “No one can serve [literally be a slave of] two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money [mammon, personal possessions]. [This verse sums up the previous verses about true loyalty.]