Burning Bush Blogs
Equipping Men with Biblical Knowledge and Leadership Skills
Category: Personal Study
Thread: Counter-Culture Quotes of Jesus
Post Topic: Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also
Post in Thread: #5
Previous: Casting the First Stone
Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21
Key Verse:
Matthew 6:21
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Observations
Today’s culture says:
Career and personal aspirations are to be pursued above all.
Jewish culture said:
Personal recognition and respect are to be valued above all.
Scripture Says:
- Treasures on earth do not last.
- Moths and vermin destroy earthly treasures.
- Thieves break in and steal earthly treasures.
- These problems do not happen with heavenly treasures.
- Jesus uses repetition and contrast to emphasize this truth.
- He follows the contrast with our key verse – linking the heart to our treasures
Context
Jesus proclaimed this truth during the Sermon on the Mount. This early-ministry sermon included many important teachings like the beatitudes, turn the other cheek, and love your enemies. In the flow of the sermon, this follows teachings on giving, praying, and fasting in a humble manner – not seeking approval from others when you do so.
Interpretation
Setting
The sermon was given somewhere near the Sea of Galilee – likely on a mountain overlooking the water.
Genre and Author
A sermon delivered by Jesus and recorded by Matthew.
Imagine…
Put yourself in Matthew’s sandals as he listened and recorded these words. Prior to following Jesus, as a despised tax-collector, Matthew put stock in his treasures on earth. I imagine this pricked his heart.
Takeaways
- The things of God are more lasting than the things of man.
- The things of God are more important than the things of man.
- Our treasures are not necessarily tangible items or wealth. It’s what our heart cares about; longs for.
- This is a beautiful teaching, but a difficult one.
Correlation
- Luke 12:34 – The same admonition is given here by Jesus, and it again follows a statement about moths and thieves destroying earthly treasures. Whether it was the same sermon recorded twice or the same point being made numerous times, it’s obviously an important truth for us today.
- Hebrews 13:5 – Avoid the love of money; be content; God will never forsake you.
Application
Generic Applications
- Earthly success can be rewarding, but living for Christ is what matters most.
- This passage directly follows teaching on praying and giving with the correct motivation. Performing good deeds for earthly recognition would not be storing up treasures in heaven. We’d have our reward already.
Personalize it
- Where do we find fulfillment with our talents? Our careers? Is it in personal wealth and status, or glorifying God?
- I’ve gained freedom with my writing since I’ve devalued my personal success. Sure, I’d love to be recognized and publish a best-seller. But if my books sell 10 copies and are somehow kingdom-building, then so much the better.
Bible study methodology adapted from Searching the Scriptures with permission from Tyndale House:
Swindoll, Charles, Searching the Scriptures. Tyndale House Publishers, 2016.
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