Storing Up Treasures

Matthew 6:19-34 Study

Jesus teaches that seeking after the things of the earth is futile, because they will all one day be destroyed. Rather we are to store up in heaven, treasures of another kind, ones that will not be destroyed. Likewise he teaches that we are not to worry about things that we cannot change. We are to trust in God to provide for us and not worry about tomorrow.
Observation:

1. Vrs 19, what does the word treasure connote?
a. According to the KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon, the term “treasure” here indicates, “to gather and lay up, to heap up, store up”
b. Luke 12:33 says; “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 exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

2. Vrs. 20, Moth and rust destroy clothing and metal, is Christ referring to such things here, and if so, what was the attachment to these items during this time period?
a. James 5:2 says; “Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.

3. Vrs. 21, what we value, what we put out time and passion into is what we love and treasure.
a. Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

4. Vrs. 22, how were the eyes thought of in this time period? What kind of light is Jesus referring to?

5. Vrs. 23, How is the word “darkness” used here? What is the Greek translation?
a. The Greek Lexicon defines the word darkness to mean, “full of darkness, covered with darkness.”

6. Vrs. 24, what was the relationship like between masters and slaves or servants?
a. Jesus’ reference to masters and slaves would have been received as the norm, because slavery was a part of the society. It was woven into who the people were.

7. Vrs. 25, “Therefore” – What? What does this word point us to? How much were clothes and food valued then?
a. Could the word “Therefore” indicate a comparison between serving two masters, as in the previous teaching, and the choosing to have faith in God to take care of them?

8. Vrs. 26, did birds have value then? None indicated

9. Vrs. 28, Jesus mentions “clothes” again, is there significance here?
a. Jesus is possibly calling the disciples attention to the fact that faith is required for such things. If they worry about clothing, are they really trusting in God to take care of them.

10. Vrs. 29, what was the perception of Solomon to these people, what was he known for?
a. 2 Chronicles 9:22-23 “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than al the other kings of the earth. 23 All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.”

11. Vrs. 30, the fields are fleeting and only for a season, yet God ordains the fields with flowers. He loves us more, so it stands to reason that He will take care of us as well.

12. Vrs. 31, Was there a famine? Were they hungry or cold? Was Jesus telling the disciples that they must have faith that God will provide what they needed?
a. The disciples needed to understand that God provided the grass of the fields, which ended up being a source of fuel for many people. The disciples, who were made in God’s image, designed to live for eternity, should live by faith knowing that God will take even more care of them.

13. Vrs. 32, what or how is the word “pagan” used here? What is the Greek translation?
a. The term “Pagan” in Greek means “human family”. Is Christ is trying to get them to understand that they are made for a different world, that they should expect to act differently because in light of this?

14. Vrs. 33, what does He mean by “his kingdom”?
a. The term “his kingdom” here, according to the Greek translation, refers to the rule of the Messiah, not necessarily a place, but the ruler-ship of Christ.

Interpretation
1. Verses 19-21: Earthly things will perish and fade, but the things of heaven will last forever.

2. Verses 22-23: What we allow to come into our eyes is what we will become and mirror.

3. Verses 24: When it comes to good verses Evil, what will you choose? You can only serve one.

4. Verses 25-32: We are God’s most valued creation. If He takes care of those things that have less value, how much more will He take care of us? Therefore, for those who proclaim the name of Jesus, we should not worry. God will provide.

5. Verses 33-34: We are to seek first the Lordship of Jesus Christ, His desire for our lives, then the things that we need will be given to us.

In these passages, Jesus is trying to teach his disciples that faith in God essential for the Christian. We cannot desire the things of this earth and at the same time serve God. That life style will ultimately tear us apart from Him, because we cannot have it both ways. We also as Christians cannot say we have faith in God and at the same time worry about what tomorrow will bring. When we live in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we live by faith that the God of all creation will take care of His most valued creation, us. Anything else is living a double standard or a double-sided life, and that is not what God desires.