Lessons of the Treasure

In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson about where our true treasure lies. It’s a reminder to examine what we value most and how our hearts are aligned with God’s purpose.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:19-21

The Message of John the Baptist

Before Jesus began His ministry, John the Baptist was preparing the way. His message was simple but powerful:

"Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." - Matthew 3:2

John’s mission was clear—he was called to prepare hearts for Jesus’ arrival.

"For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." - Matthew 3:3

While John baptized many in repentance, he pointed to the greater baptism that Jesus would bring:

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." - Matthew 3:11

Jesus’ Example

Jesus’ life set the ultimate example of submission, victory, and purpose.

Baptism & Submission: Though sinless, Jesus chose to be baptized by John to fulfill righteousness.

"And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." - Matthew 3:15

Temptation & Victory: After His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted. But He overcame every temptation by standing on the Word of God.

"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." - Matthew 4:1"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." - Matthew 4:4

Ministry Begins: Jesus’ teaching and miracles began to draw crowds, bringing healing and deliverance to those who followed Him.

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." - Matthew 4:23

"And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan." - Matthew 4:25

The Importance of the Word

While miracles draw people in, it’s the teaching of God’s Word that strengthens us and sends us out in victory. A personal devotion to Scripture keeps us spiritually healthy, grounded, and equipped to face life’s challenges.

Where is Your Treasure?

Jesus asks us to evaluate where we are investing our time, money, and energy. Earthly treasures are fleeting, vulnerable to decay and theft.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal." - Matthew 6:19

But heavenly treasures are eternal, secure from anything that could diminish their value.

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." - Matthew 6:20

Where we invest our resources reveals the true condition of our hearts:

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:21

A Heart Set on God

Our focus must be singular, with our eyes fixed on God’s light.

"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness." - Matthew 6:22-23

Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve two masters. We have to choose between serving God or pursuing worldly wealth.

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." - Matthew 6:24

Final Thoughts

God is calling us to examine where our treasure truly lies. Are we investing in things that will fade away, or are we storing up eternal treasures in heaven? Let’s set our hearts on God, devote ourselves to His Word, and live with a purpose that reflects His kingdom.

Let’s pursue the treasures that matter most—the ones that last forever.