Where’s your treasure Matt 6:19-23

Introduction

In verses 16-18 we find a similar message to verses 1-8 of this chapter. The religious leaders of that day had made alms, praying and fasting about them instead of about God. They were purposefully making themselves look sick while fasting so people would notice they were fasting. They made it about themselves and not about God.

Jesus then begins to speak about treasure. Most people are things oriented, we like to get stuff and win stuff and keep stuff. Think about how many storage facilities there are in Stephenville. People love stuff. Jesus here will remind us that our earthly possessions will be left behind and only the treasures we have acquired in heaven will last.

Where our treasure shouldn’t be vs. 19

Jesus begins by telling his disciples where their treasures shouldn’t be.

We shouldn’t build up our treasures on earth.

Here Jesus isn’t telling us like some would believe that our spirituality is found in our poverty. Jesus is telling us that our focus shouldn’t be our stuff. Some of the most spiritual people I know have more money and stuff than most of us will have in a lifetime, but I also know some spiritual people who don’t have much. The reason they are spiritual doesn’t have to do with their stuff, but with their focus. It’s on Jesus!

1 Timothy 6:6–11 “6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

He then tells them why they shouldn’t build up their treasures on earth

Moth and rust do corrupt

I was doing research on how moths corrupt stuff and read about the clothes-moth which make holes in clothes and this is what it says about them. “These holes are caused by the larvae of clothes moths, which feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, and cotton. As the larvae grow, they continue to eat away at the fabric, causing the holes to enlarge over time”

Rust - Rust is a type of corrosion that occurs on metal surfaces when iron reacts with oxygen and water. The chemical reaction that causes rust is called oxidation. The oxidation process eats away at the metal and creates visible rust on the metal's surface.

I remember when I was younger I would use one of my dads tools and I would leave it outside, and it would get rained on and rust, and some of the tools, the rust would make worthless.

Here Jesus is showing us that all of our stuff once we leave this world will be useless to us, so therefore it shouldn’t be our focus. Moths and rust don’t care how much stuff you have, it will effect the rich just as much as the poor.

and thieves break through and steal

I was reading about burglaries and one statistic said that a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the U.S.

This shows that no matter how secure we believe our stuff to be it is vulnerable even in our own homes.

Jesus here is reminding them that thieves don’t care whose stuff it is if they want your stuff they will take your stuff.

We must remember that all of our stuff is temporary and the only treasure that won’t corrupt or be stolen is the treasure laid up in heaven.

Where our treasure should be vs. 20

Jesus then tells his disciples where their treasure should be

In heaven, this old world is corrupt and full of corrupt people, but heaven is a place without corruption.

You might ask what treasures can I earn on earth that I can lay up in heaven?

There are crowns that we can receive to lay at the feet of Jesus

There are souls that we led to Christ who will be in heaven for all eternity.

John Phillips said this “The passion for possessions is not reviled but redirected. The Lord told us to lay up for ourselves “treasures in heaven” We do that by giving our time, talents and treasure to forward God’s interest on earth and promote the coming if His kingdom.”

Then he tells us why

Our heavenly treasures wont be corrupted by moths or rust and certainly no one is going to steal them.

Why does it matter vs. 21

Jesus brings it down to a simple statement where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

He brought them to a time of decision, will they continue to lay up their treasures on earth, where they will corrupt and disappear or will they lay up treasures in heaven where their is no possibility of corruption or thievery.

We must make the choice also, it really comes down to a choice of loves

We can love the things of this earth or we can love heavenly things but we cannot love both.

How’s your eyes? vs. 22-23

Jesus tell them the light of the body is in the eyes

The "eye" is a metaphor for perception and understanding. Just as the eye is the organ that allows physical light to enter the body, providing sight, it symbolizes the ability to perceive truth, righteousness, and the will of God. In the ancient world, light often symbolized knowledge, understanding, and spiritual truth, while darkness symbolized ignorance, sin, and deception.

Single focus

“Single" here refers to a clear, undivided focus. If a person's vision is focused on God and His truth—if they are single-minded in pursuing righteousness—then their entire life (their "body") will be filled with spiritual light and understanding. Their actions, thoughts, and behavior will reflect this clarity and alignment with God’s will.

Evil eye

On the contrary, if a person’s perspective is distorted or "evil," meaning their heart and mind are not aligned with God’s truth—if they are consumed by selfishness, sin, or wrong priorities—their entire life will be filled with darkness. The "evil eye" can also be understood as a metaphor for greed, envy, or a corrupt worldview that leads to spiritual blindness.

The light in you is darkness

This is a powerful statement of warning. If a person is deceived into thinking that their actions or views are aligned with light (with truth and righteousness) when, in fact, they are in darkness (ignorance, sin, or error), then their spiritual blindness is profound. The darkness they believe to be light is even more dangerous because it blinds them to their true condition, making it harder to recognize their need for repentance and transformation.

One commentator put it this way: “In these verses, Jesus teaches that a person’s spiritual condition depends on the clarity and purity of their focus. A "single" eye—an eye that is focused on God and His truth—leads to spiritual light and wholeness. But an "evil" eye—one that is clouded with selfishness, sin, or worldly desires—leads to spiritual darkness. If a person believes they are in the light but are actually in darkness, the depth of that spiritual blindness is great. This passage emphasizes the importance of purity in vision, understanding, and focus, as they directly influence one's entire life.”