TODAY’S DAILY BIBLE VERSE

March 7, 2025

Matthew chapter 6 verses 19 through 21:
Verse 19: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Verse 20: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Verse 21: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

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Verse Context:

Matthew chapter 6 verses 19 through 21 come from the middle portion of the famous Sermon on the Mount, a lengthy teaching delivered by Jesus to His disciples and the gathered crowd. The author of the Gospel of Matthew is Matthew himself, a former tax collector who became a disciple of Jesus. Matthew’s Gospel was written to a Jewish audience, aiming to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the true King of Israel.

The historical and social context of this passage helps us understand why Jesus used such direct language about wealth. In the first century, particularly in Galilee and Judea, wealth was primarily stored in material goods like clothing, precious metals, and grain. Moths could easily destroy fine garments, rust could corrode valuable metals, and homes—often made of stone or mudbrick—were vulnerable to thieves who could literally dig through the walls to steal stored goods. Jesus was speaking to a people who lived day-to-day with these risks, making His words immediately relevant to their real lives.

Theologically, Jesus is teaching a principle that transcends economics—it’s about allegiance and the orientation of the heart. He warns against the trap of trusting in earthly wealth, which is temporary, and directs His followers toward investing in heavenly treasure—eternal rewards tied to faithfulness, generosity, righteousness, and devotion to God. The “treasures in heaven” concept was familiar in Jewish thought, particularly in writings like the Wisdom of Sirach, but Jesus expands and deepens its meaning.

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Broader Context:

Matthew chapter 6 as a whole is part of the larger Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. This sermon covers a wide range of topics, all tied to the kingdom of God and the life of faithful discipleship. In chapter 6, Jesus teaches about spiritual practices—giving to the needy, prayer (including the Lord’s Prayer), fasting, and how to rightly view wealth and material possessions.

The overall purpose of Matthew’s Gospel reinforces this teaching, because Matthew repeatedly emphasizes that true righteousness is not about outward appearances or religious performance, but about the inward condition of the heart. This section directly follows Jesus’ teaching on prayer and fasting, making the point that just as spiritual practices must be done with sincerity before God, so also must the way believers handle wealth reflect a heart devoted to God’s kingdom.

This theme continues throughout the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew chapter 19 verse 21, Jesus tells the rich young ruler: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” This shows that for Jesus, earthly possessions are always secondary to eternal matters. Similarly, in Matthew chapter 13 verse 44, Jesus says: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” This reinforces that heavenly treasure is worth any earthly sacrifice.

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Application:

Appreciating God’s Greatness:

This passage reveals God’s greatness by showing that His kingdom operates on eternal principles, not temporary ones. God offers eternal security, lasting rewards, and incorruptible treasure to those who trust in Him. Unlike the fragile wealth of this world, God’s blessings cannot be stolen, corrupted, or lost. This reveals God’s faithfulness and His ability to fully provide for His people—not just for today, but for eternity. In this, we see God’s unmatched power and wisdom, because He alone offers what truly lasts.

For the Believer:

For believers, this passage serves as a heart check. It asks us to evaluate where our treasure truly is. Are we investing our time, talents, and treasure into things that will matter for eternity—serving others, sharing the Gospel, cultivating a Christlike character—or are we more focused on building earthly wealth that will ultimately vanish?

Call to Action:

Believers are called to intentionally store up treasures in heaven by living lives of faith, obedience, and generosity. This includes supporting missions, helping the poor, investing in the spiritual growth of others, and living out the Gospel daily. Jesus’ teaching is not anti-wealth, but it challenges believers to ask: Am I using my wealth in a way that honors God and advances His kingdom? Every decision we make about money, possessions, and priorities reveals where our heart truly rests.

For the Unbeliever:

For those who do not yet believe, this passage is an invitation to consider what you are truly living for. Earthly treasures—whether money, possessions, status, or pleasure—will all pass away. None of them can provide ultimate security, peace, or purpose. Jesus offers something far greater: eternal life and a place in God’s kingdom, where true treasure is found. This treasure is not earned through wealth, but received through faith in Christ.

The question is simple: Where is your treasure? If your heart longs for things that fade, you will end up empty. But if you seek the treasure found in Jesus—His grace, His presence, and His promise of eternal life—you will gain a treasure no thief can steal and no moth can destroy.

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Final Encouragement:

Matthew chapter 6 verses 19 through 21 remind us that life is about much more than accumulating things. Our hearts follow our treasure, so if we want hearts that belong to God, we must make Him our greatest treasure. Earthly wealth can be a useful tool when used for God’s purposes, but it can never be our master or our source of security. True treasure is found in living for God’s glory, and that treasure lasts forever.

You are loved, so much in fact that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.