Matthew 6:19-24
Read Matthew 6:19-24
Helpful Background Information:
Matthew’s gospel was written by the Apostle Matthew around 50 A.D. His gospel was likely intended for a primarily Jewish audience, presenting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and rightful King. Matthew commonly cites Jewish customs without much explanation, cites the Old Testament more than any other gospel, and calls Jesus “the Son of David” more frequently. Because of this Jewish focus, Matthew likely wrote this gospel from the city of Antioch in modern-day Turkey, where many Jewish Christians were gathered (Acts 11:19-30).
Jesus' teachings on a godly view of wealth take place in the middle of his famous Sermon on the Mount. In Chapter 5 and the beginning section of Chapter 6, Jesus explains the true meaning of the Old Testament law. He shows that its true demands go far beyond the surface meaning of the words.
God’s standard of righteousness for human beings includes not only their external obedience, but also their hearts and motivations. On one hand, Jesus’ deepening of the law combated the Pharisees. The Pharisees consistently softened the law's demands by focusing on external obedience. On the other hand, Jesus is making clear that the true demands of the law are unable to save anyone. The Pharisees believed their external obedience would save them, but Jesus is showing here that a truly Christian life is not one of legalism, but a deeper relationship with God through faith in him, which produces a motivation to be obedient from the heart.
Before Matthew 6:19-24, the previous two long sections focused on how Jesus’ teaching differed from that of the scribes and Pharisees. Now, our section today, Jesus shifts the focus to a more direct and clear explanation of the attitudes and life of a true disciple, beginning with our attitude toward wealth.
Reflection Questions:
Note the similarities between Jesus’ teaching on wealth in Matthew 6:19-24 and Solomon’s teaching in Ecclesiastes 5. What themes or lessons on a godly view of wealth do they have in common? How does Jesus’s teaching clarify or give insight into Solomon’s teaching?
Jesus states in verse 21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The way we view our wealth or spend our money can reveal what we truly love in life. In what ways do your financial decisions (spending, giving, saving) show where your trust ultimately lies? What would it look like to repent and steward your wealth for God’s glory?
Why does Jesus warn against storing up earthly treasures in Matthew 6:19-24, and how does this connect with Solomon’s teaching on the fleeting, non-eternal nature of wealth? Do you see the temptation to store up earthly wealth in your life?