Betty's Page

Treasures in Heaven

Matthew 6:19-21

 19."Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20.But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Seek Treasure in Heaven (6:19-21)

Jesus teaches that if we really trust God, we will act as if treasure in heaven is what matters (compare 1 Tim 6:8-10). Although Jesus illustrates his point here with images about treasure in heaven shared by many of his contemporaries (such as Sirach 29:10-11; 4 Ezra 7:77; 2 Baruch 14:12), only the most radical sages of antiquity shared Jesus' view that earthly possessions were essentially worthless. Yet for Jesus the treasure is not merely in heaven (Mt 19:21); it represents the kingdom of heaven (13:44). Idolaters who value Mammon too highly to abandon it for what Jesus values will have no place in his kingdom (19:21-30; compare Lk 14:33).