Meaning of Matthew 6:20

This verse, spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, contrasts earthly possessions with heavenly ones, urging believers to prioritize enduring spiritual values over transient material wealth. The "treasures in heaven" are not literal gold or jewels stored in a celestial vault, but rather the spiritual and eternal rewards that accrue from living a life aligned with God's will, characterized by righteousness, generosity, love, and faithfulness. Jesus' teaching here is a radical reorientation of priorities, calling his followers to invest their lives and resources in that which has eternal significance, rather than in the fleeting comforts and accumulations of the present world, which are ultimately subject to decay and loss.

Context and Background

Matthew 6:19-24 forms a cohesive unit within Jesus' discourse, directly following his teaching on almsgiving (vv. 1-4), prayer (vv. 5-15), and fasting (vv. 16-18). In these preceding verses, Jesus emphasizes the importance of performing these religious disciplines with the right motivation – not for human praise, but for God's approval. This section on treasures serves as a foundational principle for understanding why such pure motivation is crucial: because the ultimate reward is not found in earthly recognition, but in heavenly recompense. The context is one of discipleship, where Jesus is instructing his followers on the practical outworking of their commitment to the Kingdom of God, which demands a different value system than that of the world.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary message is one of eternal perspective. Jesus is teaching his disciples to think and act with eternity in mind. This involves:

• The Impermanence of Earthly Wealth: The imagery of moths, vermin, and thieves highlights the vulnerability of material possessions. They are susceptible to decay, destruction, and theft, emphasizing their temporary nature.
• The Permanence of Heavenly Treasures: In contrast, treasures stored in heaven are secure and incorruptible. These are not accumulated through hoarding, but through acts of obedience, love, and faith that have eternal value.
• The Heart's Allegiance: Jesus links where one's treasure is to where one's heart will be (v. 21). This is a profound statement about human nature; our deepest affections and priorities are drawn to what we consider most valuable. Investing in heavenly treasures cultivates a heart oriented towards God and his eternal purposes.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in the call to reorder one's priorities. This verse challenges believers to:

• Invest in Spiritual Disciplines: Dedicating time to prayer, study, worship, and service are acts that build heavenly treasures.
• Practice Generosity: Giving to the poor and needy, supporting the work of the church, and using resources for God's kingdom are direct investments in heavenly wealth.
• Cultivate Righteousness and Integrity: Living a life of obedience to God's commands, demonstrating love, and pursuing justice are the true riches that have eternal value.
• Detachment from Materialism: The verse encourages a healthy detachment from the anxieties and pursuits of accumulating wealth for its own sake, recognizing its limitations.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This teaching is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. The Old Testament prophets often rebuked Israel for their misplaced trust in material prosperity and their neglect of justice and righteousness. The concept of "reward" for faithfulness is also prevalent, often framed in terms of blessings in this life and ultimately in the age to come. In the New Testament, Paul frequently contrasts the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit," emphasizing the enduring nature of spiritual qualities. Jesus' entire ministry was a call to embrace the values of the Kingdom of God, which are inherently eternal and contrasted with the temporal values of the world.

Analogies

To understand this concept, consider:

• A Savings Account vs. a Checking Account: Earthly treasures are like money in a checking account – readily accessible, but easily spent and depleted. Heavenly treasures are like a long-term investment account, growing over time and providing enduring security.
• Building a House on Sand vs. Rock: A life focused on earthly possessions is like building a house on sand; it is vulnerable to the storms of life and will eventually crumble. A life focused on heavenly treasures is like building on rock; it is stable and enduring.
• Investing in a Business: When people invest in a business, they do so expecting a future return. Jesus is calling believers to "invest" in activities and attitudes that yield eternal returns.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds resonance with numerous other biblical passages:

• Matthew 6:21: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This directly follows and explains the mechanism by which storing up treasures in heaven influences our inner being.
• Luke 12:33: "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be depleted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys." This is a parallel teaching from Luke, even more direct in its application.
• 1 Timothy 6:17-19: Paul instructs Timothy to warn the rich not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth, but to be rich in good deeds and generous. This echoes the same principle of investing in what truly matters.
• Colossians 3:1-2: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This passage directly calls for a shift in focus and desire, aligning with Jesus' teaching on heavenly treasures.