Matthew 6:19-34
ntroduction
Matthew continues recording Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. God knows exactly how life is meant to be lived, and Jesus not only came to restore us—He lived as the perfect model for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21; Hebrews 12:2).
The main point of this series is that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Word, and our lives can only be fulfilled in Him. In this passage, Jesus directs us to a fulfillment that lasts and relieves our worries. In the preceding verses, we saw that God hates hypocrisy and does not want us to be fake. But He does not stop there—He invites us into the secret place to meet with Him intimately (Matthew 6:6). Jesus now shows us where to invest our hearts so worry loses its grip on us.
Fulfillment in Jesus
1) Cannot Be Destroyed or Stolen (6:19-21) Jesus commands, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).
The devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10), but nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). God will never love you any more or any less than He does right now (Romans 5:8; Jeremiah 31:3). When our treasure is in heaven, it is eternally secure.
2) Brings Light into Our Lives (6:22-23) “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness” (Matthew 6:22-23).
What we fix our eyes on determines the light or darkness in our lives. When we look to Jesus, the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5), our whole life becomes illuminated with clarity, hope, and joy.
3) Leads to Devotion to Our Master (6:24) “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
We are called to wholehearted devotion. The author of Hebrews reminds us, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). Single-minded devotion to Christ frees us from divided loyalties.
4) Teaches Us Our Real Value (6:25-30) Jesus asks, “Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26) speaking of the birds, and “Will he not much more clothe you?” (Matthew 6:30) speaking of the flowers. God cares for the sparrows and dresses the lilies—how much more will He care for His own children? We are of infinite value because we are made in God’s image and redeemed by His Son (Genesis 1:27; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
5) Meets Our Needs, Not Our Wants (6:31-32) “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matthew 6:31-32). God is a good Father who knows exactly what we need. He promises to supply every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
6) Removes Our Worries and Anxieties (6:33-34) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).
Worry is displaced worship. When we seek first God’s kingdom, anxiety loses its power. Jesus gives us peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7).
Application
Jesus directs us to a fulfillment that cannot be destroyed, that fills us with light, that produces wholehearted devotion, that reminds us of our value, that meets our real needs, and that removes our worries.
The key is simple yet life-changing: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we do, everything else falls into its proper place.
Where is your treasure today? What are you worrying about? Bring it to Jesus. He is the fulfillment of the Word, and in Him alone you will find lasting peace and joy.
Small Group Questions
· Why is it often easier to desire earthly treasures over heavenly treasures?
· Does what you treasure show that you prefer God over this world?
· What in your life creates the most worry?
· How can increasing our desire and concern for God's Kingdom lessen our worry over our lives and the future?
For Further Study
Read Matthew 6:19-34 alongside Philippians 4:6-7 and John 14:27 for God’s promise of peace that replaces worry.
Study Colossians 3:1-4 and 1 John 2:15-17 on where our treasure and affections should be set.
Meditate on Romans 8:32 (“He who did not spare his own Son… how will he not also… graciously give us all things?”) as the foundation for trusting God’s provision.
