TODAY’S DAILY BIBLE VERSE

April 3, 2025

Matthew chapter 6 verse 24:

“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.”

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Verse Context:

This verse is part of Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, delivered to His disciples and the crowds gathered in Galilee. The Gospel of Matthew records this extensive teaching between chapters 5 through 7. Matthew, a former tax collector turned disciple, wrote primarily to a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

This particular verse comes in the middle of a section where Jesus is addressing treasures in heaven (Matthew chapter 6 verses 19–34), warning His listeners not to chase after earthly wealth and possessions, but to prioritize their spiritual well-being. The word mammon refers not just to money, but to wealth as a rival god—something that enslaves and competes for the heart’s devotion.

The keyword “serve” here implies complete allegiance or slavery, not mere employment. In the culture of first-century Judea under Roman occupation, the audience understood what slavery and ownership meant—this was not casual labor, but total ownership of the person by the master. Jesus draws a spiritual parallel: just as a slave cannot obey two different masters with equal loyalty, so too the soul cannot divide its loyalty between God and materialism.

Theologian John Gill (1697–1771, Baptist) comments that this verse doesn’t mean one cannot have possessions, but that one cannot be a true servant of God if the pursuit of wealth governs the heart. Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Presbyterian) adds that “mammon” is used here to represent all worldly wealth when it becomes an idol—a heart competitor with God.

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Broader Context:

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5 through 7) is the most comprehensive recorded teaching of Jesus in one continuous message. This section in chapter 6 focuses on practicing righteousness—not just avoiding evil, but actively choosing purity of heart, prayer, forgiveness, fasting, and trusting God over worldly systems.

This particular verse comes just after Jesus tells the people to “lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth” (Matthew chapter 6 verse 19), and before He addresses anxiety and trust in God’s provision (Matthew chapter 6 verses 25–34). The connection is clear: a heart divided between spiritual pursuits and material ambitions cannot thrive in the Kingdom of Heaven. This is not merely advice—it is a command to choose whom you serve.

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Application:

Appreciating God’s Greatness:

This verse displays God’s rightful place as our sole Master, revealing His authority over our affections and our ultimate loyalty. God does not share His throne with idols. His greatness is not only seen in His power, but in the demand for undivided devotion, for He alone is worthy of worship and trust.

For the Believer:

This verse challenges us to examine where our allegiance truly lies. Do we say we serve God, but in practice serve our careers, bank accounts, or the approval of others? Jesus’ words force a confrontation between discipleship and idolatry.

Call to Action:

Believers must actively dethrone mammon—this may mean reevaluating spending habits, the way we measure success, or even the motivations behind our prayers. Who or what rules your decisions? Today is the day to reaffirm that Christ alone is Lord.

For the Unbeliever:

If you’re not walking with Christ, this verse still speaks: you are serving something—whether you realize it or not. The illusion of neutrality is a lie. Everyone worships something. The question is—does what you worship have the power to save you? Only the true and living God does. He doesn’t just want part of you; He calls for everything—because only He can give you everything that matters eternally.

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Final Encouragement:

Matthew chapter 6 verse 24 is a piercing reminder that our lives always bend toward some kind of service. There is no neutral ground. If we are not intentionally choosing to serve God, we will inevitably find ourselves enslaved to something lesser. Jesus doesn’t offer us the option of divided loyalty—He offers us something better: singleness of heart, clarity of purpose, and freedom found only in Him.

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Shalom Shalom.