Meaning of Matthew 6:21

This verse, spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, presents a fundamental principle about human motivation and spiritual orientation: the direction of one's deepest affections and desires is inextricably linked to the objects of their material or spiritual possessions. Jesus is not merely stating a psychological observation; he is articulating a spiritual law. The "treasure" here refers to whatever a person values most highly, what they invest their time, energy, and resources into, and what they prioritize above all else. This could be wealth, possessions, status, relationships, or even spiritual pursuits. Wherever this ultimate value resides, there also will one's heart, their very being, their desires, and their ultimate allegiance be found. Therefore, the verse serves as a profound diagnostic tool for self-examination, prompting individuals to consider where their true priorities lie and to ensure that their ultimate "treasure" is aligned with God's will and kingdom.

Context and Background

Matthew 6:19-24, where this verse is situated, is part of Jesus' discourse on true righteousness, contrasting it with the performative piety of some of his contemporaries. Immediately preceding this statement, Jesus instructs his followers not to store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in, but rather to store up treasures in heaven. He then establishes the principle that one cannot serve two masters, God and mammon (wealth). Verse 21, therefore, serves as the logical conclusion and justification for the preceding admonitions. It explains why storing up treasures on earth is detrimental to one's spiritual life: because the heart inevitably follows the treasure.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Heart's Allegiance: The core message is that our affections are drawn to what we value most. If our primary focus is on earthly possessions, our hearts will be consumed by them. Conversely, if our treasure is in heavenly things, our hearts will be oriented towards God and eternity.
• The Inseparability of Treasure and Heart: Jesus presents an unbreakable link. The heart is not an independent entity that can be arbitrarily directed; it is profoundly influenced by where we invest our resources and our ultimate hopes.
• Spiritual Discernment: The verse encourages introspection. By examining where our time, money, thoughts, and efforts are directed, we can discern our true treasures and, consequently, the state of our hearts.
• The Danger of Materialism: It highlights the inherent risk of prioritizing earthly wealth, as it diverts the heart's devotion away from God and eternal realities, making one susceptible to distraction and spiritual decay.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls for a reorientation of priorities. It challenges believers to actively pursue heavenly treasures—righteousness, love, service, spiritual growth, and the advancement of God's kingdom—rather than fixating on transient earthly gains. Applying this principle involves conscious decisions about how we spend our time, money, and mental energy. It means cultivating a disposition that finds joy and fulfillment in God and His purposes, rather than in accumulating possessions or seeking worldly acclaim. It's a call to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that what truly matters is what will endure beyond this life.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The principle articulated in Matthew 6:21 resonates throughout Scripture. The Old Testament repeatedly warns against idolatry, which is essentially placing something other than God as one's ultimate treasure. The stories of Israel's cycles of faithfulness and unfaithfulness often stem from their misplaced affections. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in passages like Colossians 3:1-2, urging believers to "set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." The entire narrative of redemption is about God rescuing humanity from misplaced allegiances and restoring them to Himself as their true and ultimate treasure.

Analogies

• A Magnet and Iron Filings: The heart is like iron filings, and the treasure is like a magnet. Wherever the magnet is placed, the filings will be drawn to it. If your treasure is on earth, your heart will be pulled towards earthly things. If your treasure is in heaven, your heart will be drawn towards God.
• A Ship's Anchor: A ship's anchor determines its stability and position. If the anchor is cast in a shallow, muddy harbor (earthly treasures), the ship is vulnerable to storms and currents. If the anchor is cast in deep, secure waters (heavenly treasures), the ship is more secure and its course is more stable.
• A Compass: A compass needle always points north, regardless of the terrain. Similarly, if one's true treasure is aligned with God's kingdom, their heart will consistently orient itself towards Him, providing direction and purpose.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 6:19-20: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." This directly precedes and provides the rationale for verse 21.
• Luke 12:34: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This is a parallel statement from Luke's Gospel, reinforcing the universality of this principle.
• Colossians 3:1-2: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." This passage exhorts believers to actively cultivate heavenly affections.
• 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." This verse highlights the destructive potential of making wealth one's ultimate treasure.
• Philippians 3:19-20: "for many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god has become their belly, and their glory belongs to their shame, with minds set on earthly things." This starkly contrasts those whose treasure is earthly with the spiritual aspirations of believers.