MATTHEW 6:19-21
KEEP THE TREASURE IN HEAVEN
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus presents a profound teaching on the nature of true wealth and the orientation of the human heart. This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus addresses various aspects of righteous living. Here, He contrasts the temporary and vulnerable nature of earthly treasures with the eternal and secure treasures in heaven. Earthly possessions, He warns, are susceptible to decay and theft, symbolizing their fleeting and unreliable nature. In contrast, treasures stored in heaven are imperishable and secure, reflecting the enduring value of spiritual investments. Jesus urges His followers to prioritize heavenly treasures, indicating that what one values most deeply will ultimately capture their heart and direct their life’s focus.
This teaching challenges the materialistic mindset prevalent in society, both in Jesus’ time and today. It calls believers to re-evaluate their pursuits and investments, encouraging them to focus on actions and values that have eternal significance. By emphasizing that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” Jesus underscores the intrinsic link between one’s priorities and their spiritual condition. This passage invites reflection on the nature of true wealth and the ultimate destination of one’s affections, urging a shift from temporal to eternal values. In doing so, it offers a timeless reminder of the importance of aligning one’s life with the principles of God’s kingdom.
Matthew 6:19 “Do not store up treasures for yourself here on earth, where moth and rust destroy it, and where thieves can break in and steal it.”
In this verse, Jesus advises against accumulating material wealth and emphasizes the transient nature of earthly possessions. He contrasts worldly treasures with spiritual and heavenly treasures, urging believers to focus on what is eternal and imperishable.
Understanding ‘Treasure’
Jesus uses the singular term ‘treasure’ to encapsulate all valuable items, such as coins, jewels, spices, and food, which were stored in treasuries for enjoyment, luxury, and power. Historical examples include the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh presented to Jesus by the Magi (Mt 2:11). In ancient times, kings, temples, and wealthy individuals guarded their treasures from thieves. However, while the rich enjoyed their wealth, the common people often lived in poverty.
Types of Treasures
1. Worldly Treasure
– Definition: Wealth accumulated through inheritance, hard work, divine providence, luck, or exploitation.
– Limitations: These treasures are only useful in this life and do not benefit the afterlife unless used to help the poor, thereby gaining ‘treasure in heaven’ (Lk 12:16-21; 16:19-31).
– Biblical Examples:
– The parable of the rich fool, who hoarded his harvest for personal enjoyment but was called foolish by God (Lk 12:16-21).
– The rich man and Lazarus, where the rich man suffers in the afterlife for his selfishness (Lk 16:19-31).
– Jesus’ teaching that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 19:23-24).
2. Spiritual Treasure
– Definition: Treasures of faith, morals, wisdom, and justice that honor God and bring heavenly rewards.
– Examples:
– Faith: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack” (Ps 23:1).
– Fear of the Lord: “He is your sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure” (Isa 33:6).
– Wisdom: “Happy the one who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding! Her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold is her revenue; She is more precious than corals, and no treasure of yours can compare with her” (Prov 3:13-15; 8:11). Solomon’s request for wisdom pleased God, who granted him riches, glory, and a long life in addition to wisdom (1 Ks 3:1-15).
– Justice: “The righteous will inherit the earth and dwell in it forever” (Ps 37:29-31). “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but like green leaves the just will flourish” (Prov 11:28).
– The Kingdom of God: Jesus likened it to a hidden treasure or a pearl of great value, for which one would sell all they have to obtain it (Mt 13:44-46).
– The apostles, who gave up everything for the Church and endured hardships (2 Cor 4:7-10).
3. Heavenly Treasure
– Definition: Eternal rewards gained by transforming earthly wealth into spiritual treasure through faith, devotion, wisdom, justice, and Christian witnessing.
– Examples:
– Jesus’ instruction to the rich young man to sell his possessions and give to the poor to gain treasure in heaven (Mt 19:21; Mk 10:21).
– The apostles, who sacrificed everything for the Kingdom of God and were promised eternal rewards (Mt 19:27-29).
Impermanence of Earthly Treasures
1. Moth and Rust
– Moth: In ancient times, costly garments were considered treasures, but moths could destroy these fabrics (Job 13:28; Isa 50:9; 51:8).
– Rust: Corrosion can damage metals, making long-preserved treasures unreliable (Jm 5:2-3).
2. Thieves
– Historical Context: Treasures hidden in homes or fields were vulnerable to theft. Ancient houses made of sun-burned bricks or loose stones were easily broken into by thieves (Job 24:16, Ezek 12:5).
– Biblical Example: The treasures of the house of the Lord and the king’s house were taken by Shishak, king of Egypt (1 Kgs 14:25-26).
Conclusion
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:19 underscores the futility of hoarding earthly wealth and the importance of investing in spiritual and heavenly treasures. By sharing resources with the less fortunate and living a life of faith and righteousness, believers can accumulate eternal rewards that are imperishable and secure from decay and theft.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to seek treasures that last. Grant us the wisdom to value faith, justice, and love over material wealth. Teach us to use our resources to serve others, reflecting Your generosity and love. May we always strive for the treasures of Your Kingdom, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves cannot steal. Amen.
Matthew 6:20 “But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.”
In Matthew 6:20, part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers to prioritize accumulating spiritual wealth over material wealth. This teaching emphasizes the enduring nature of spiritual treasures compared to the transient and vulnerable nature of earthly possessions. The preceding verse, Matthew 6:19, warns against hoarding earthly treasures, highlighting their susceptibility to decay and theft. In contrast, heavenly treasures are eternal and secure.
The Catholic Church teaches that “treasures in heaven” refer to spiritual rewards and graces that come from living a life of faith, charity, and obedience to God’s will. These treasures are accumulated through acts of love, mercy, and justice, as well as through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving performed with a pure heart (Mt 6:1-18). The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes that true happiness and fulfillment come from seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness (CCC 1723).
Paul’s Advice to Timothy
Paul’s letter to Timothy offers further insight into the right use of wealth: “Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth but rather on God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life” (1 Tim 6:17-19).
The Last Judgment
At the Last Judgment, Jesus will commend those who used their resources for the benefit of others: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Mt 25:34-36). He will clarify, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).
The Legend of St. Thomas in India
A third-century Syriac text, the Acts of Thomas, tells of the apostle Thomas’ missionary work in India, which illustrates this teaching of Jesus. According to the legend, King Gundaphorus entrusted Thomas with money to build a palace. Thomas used the money to help the poor, explaining to the king that he was building a palace in heaven. When the king’s brother, Gad, died and was miraculously revived through Thomas’ prayers, he confirmed seeing a beautiful palace in heaven. This led to the conversion of the king and his people.
Catholic Teachings
The Catholic tradition understands storing up treasures in heaven as aligning one’s life with the values of the Gospel. This involves:
– Charity and Almsgiving: Giving to those in need without seeking recognition (Mt 6:2-4).
– Prayer and Fasting: Engaging in these practices sincerely and privately, focusing on a personal relationship with God (Mt 6:5-6; 16-18).
– Living the Beatitudes: Embracing the attitudes and behaviors described in the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12).
Saint Augustine of Hippo reflects on this passage by teaching that our hearts should be set on eternal things rather than temporal ones. He emphasizes that our true home is in heaven, and our earthly life should be a journey toward that ultimate goal.
Reflection
As Christians, we are called to evaluate where our true priorities lie. Are we more concerned with accumulating wealth and possessions, or are we focused on growing in holiness and virtue? Jesus invites us to detach from the materialism that can dominate our lives and invest in the eternal treasures that come from living according to His teachings. Reflecting on the lives of saints, such as St. Francis of Assisi, who gave up his wealth to follow Christ more closely, can inspire us to detach from materialism and seek spiritual riches.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness. Help us to store up treasures in heaven through acts of love, mercy, and justice. May we always prioritize our relationship with You over the fleeting pleasures of this world. Guide us to live lives of sincere devotion and to find our true treasure in Your eternal presence. Amen.
Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, teaching about attitudes toward wealth and material possessions. This verse conveys the principle that our affections and priorities are deeply connected to what we value most. Catholic teaching challenges believers to reflect on their attachments and prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly ones.
Understanding Treasure
Treasure refers to any valuable item we preserve for future use, offering a sense of security against unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, sickness, or poor harvests. In the Bible, Joseph’s advice to store excess grains during Egypt’s seven years of abundant harvest is a prime example of using treasure wisely to safeguard against future famine (Gen 41:34-36). Treasures provide security and future enjoyment, and this concept extends to spiritual treasures stored in heaven for the afterlife.
The nature of our treasure reflects what we value most in life, shaping our goals, motivating our actions, influencing our lifestyle, and defining our sense of success or failure. Whether our treasure is wealth, position, popularity, family welfare, or spirituality, we will strive to achieve it, often making sacrifices. Our dominant treasure, whether worldly or spiritual, governs our behavior and priorities.
THE HEART’S ROLE
The heart, beyond its physical functions, holds spiritual significance encompassing love, sacrifice, suffering, emotion, and morality. Ancient beliefs attributed human intentions and actions to the heart. God perceives and judges the heart, as illustrated in Scriptures: “The Lord does not see as a mortal who sees the appearance. The Lord looks into the heart” (1 Sam 16:7), and “I, the Lord, explore the mind and test the heart, giving to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their deeds” (Jer 17:10).
Jesus taught that the heart is the source of good or bad actions: “The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, unchastity, theft, false witness, blasphemy” (Mt 15:18-19). When the Lord comes, He will “manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God” (1 Cor 4:5).
Conversion of Heart
The Bible portrays the heart as the center of our values, virtues, vices, spirituality, and actions. A conversion of heart is crucial for changing the mindset of the immoral and irreligious. God’s prophets emphasized this message when the Israelites strayed from Him. Though circumcision was a covenant sign, God demanded circumcision of the heart: “The Lord, your God, will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you will love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart and your whole being, in order that you may live” (Deut 30:6). Jeremiah echoed this: “Be circumcised for the Lord, remove the foreskins of your hearts” (Jer 4:4a).
John the Baptist preached conversion in preparation for God’s Kingdom (Mt 3:2), translating to metanoia, meaning a change of heart. Jesus addressed the Pharisees, who loved money, highlighting God’s disdain for human esteem when it’s rooted in wealth: “You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God” (Lk 16:15).
In the early Church, Peter acknowledged God’s role in purifying hearts by faith and granting the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:8-9). The heart’s desires shape our goals and actions. The godly seek God wholeheartedly: “Blessed those whose way is blameless, who walk by the law of the Lord. Blessed those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with all their heart. They do no wrong; they walk in his ways” (Ps 119:1-3).
Godly and Ungodly Desires
A common complaint against Israel was their hearts being far from God, offering mere lip service (Isa 29:13). Through Ezekiel, God promised to transform their hearts: “I will give them another heart and a new spirit I will put within them. From their bodies I will remove the hearts of stone, and give them hearts of flesh, so that they walk according to my statutes, taking care to keep my ordinances” (Ezek 11:19-21).
The ungodly heart thirsts for worldly achievements. A father advises his son against lust, warning of its consequences (Prov 6:24-26). Instead, he should envy those who fear the Lord: “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but only those who always fear the Lord; For you will surely have a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the right way” (Prov 23:17-19).
For Christians, the desired treasure is in heaven, even at the expense of earthly attractions. Paul advises, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth” (Col 3:1-2). Moses assured the Israelites, “You shall indeed find him (Lord) if you search after him with all your heart and soul” (Deut 4:29). David prayed for a clean heart and the Holy Spirit’s presence (Ps 51:12-13).
Love and Compassion
The heart is also the seat of love and compassion. Jesus summarized the Law and the Prophets in loving God and others: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:37-40). In the Good Samaritan story, the Samaritan was moved with compassion and aided the injured man (Lk 10:33).
Where Your Treasure Is, There Also Will Your Heart Be
Since we value our treasure and are concerned about its safety, our focus naturally aligns with it. If our treasure is with God, we concentrate on heavenly matters. Followers of Jesus should see God as their treasure, filling their heavenly treasury with virtues. Ignoring this and valuing worldly achievements as treasure keeps our hearts grounded on earth, jeopardizing our afterlife.
If our treasure is solely earthly, we will avoid the narrow path to eternal life, opting for the broad road to destruction (Mt 7:13-14). However, treasuring God and His kingdom transforms lives, as seen with Levi the tax collector, who became Matthew the apostle. Jesus and His followers have guided many to discover genuine heavenly treasures.
The Lamp of the Body
Jesus previously emphasized the heart’s metaphorical spiritual significance. If the heart treasures God and His Kingdom, our outlook and actions will differ from those pursuing worldly treasures. Compassion for others, exemplified by the Good Samaritan, stems from a heart aligned with God. Jesus then shifts focus to the eye with a similar teaching.
Catholic Interpretation:
In the Catholic tradition, this verse calls for focusing on spiritual and eternal values over temporal and material ones. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes detachment from material wealth and pursuit of virtues aligning with God’s will:
– Detachment from Material Wealth: The CCC states, “The Lord grieves over the rich, because they find their consolation in the abundance of goods” (CCC 2547). This echoes Matthew 6:21, urging believers to seek fulfillment in God rather than material possessions.
– Storing Treasures in Heaven: Jesus encourages storing treasures in heaven, living a life of virtue, charity, and faith. The CCC explains, “The desire for true happiness frees man from his immoderate attachment to the goods of this world so that he can find his fulfillment in the vision and beatitude of God” (CCC 2548).
Reflection:
Reflecting on Matthew 6:21 invites us to examine our lives and identify what we truly treasure. Are our hearts set on accumulating wealth, status, or possessions, or on loving God and serving others? The verse challenges us to align our desires with God’s will, ensuring our ultimate treasure is in heaven.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You have given us the ultimate treasure in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us recognize the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and seek the eternal riches of Your kingdom. May our hearts be rooted in love for You and in service to our brothers and sisters. Grant us the grace to detach from material wealth and store up treasures in heaven through acts of charity, faith, and humility. Guide us in our journey towards eternal life with You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
The teachings of Matthew 6:19-21 emphasize the impermanence and vulnerability of earthly possessions compared to the eternal and secure nature of heavenly treasures. Jesus instructs his followers not to store up treasures on earth where they can be destroyed by moths, rust, or stolen by thieves. Instead, he encourages them to accumulate treasures in heaven, where they are safe from decay and theft. This passage highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth, as the latter is fleeting and unreliable. The ultimate message is that where one’s treasure is, their heart will also be, urging believers to focus their hearts on heavenly matters.
This scripture challenges individuals to reflect on their values and priorities, urging them to invest in what is eternal rather than what is temporary. It calls for a shift in perspective, from accumulating material wealth to fostering spiritual growth and virtues such as love, kindness, and faith. By doing so, believers align their hearts with God’s kingdom, ensuring that their efforts and investments yield eternal rewards. This passage serves as a reminder that true security and fulfillment come from a relationship with God and living according to His will, rather than from the accumulation of earthly possessions.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help us to understand the fleeting nature of earthly treasures and to seek the eternal treasures that are found in You. Guide our hearts to prioritize what is eternal and to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace. May our actions and decisions be rooted in the desire to store up treasures in heaven, where they are safe and everlasting. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.