Lesson 13: Where Is Your Heart?
This Week's Bible Study: Matthew 6:19-24
Welcome, and thank you for joining me today as we continue our study of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Today, we’re looking at Matthew 6:19-24 - one of the most consequential passages about what we treasure and where our hearts truly lie. Jesus makes it clear that our loyalty cannot be divided. As his disciples, we must choose carefully between serving God or being owned by our possessions. Let’s take some time to consider what we’re living for - and what that says about who we’re following.
Treasures on Earth vs. Treasures in Heaven
Jesus begins in Matthew 6:19 by urging his listeners, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” Earthly treasures - whether material wealth, status, or achievements - are temporary and fragile. They can be lost, stolen, or decayed. Yet we often place our deepest hopes and security in them.
Instead, Jesus commands, “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (v. 20). These treasures – faith in God, acts of love, obedience, generosity, worship, and eternal investments – can’t be corrupted. The principle is clear: what you pursue reveals what you value. Jesus sums it up: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (v. 21). The heart always follows what it loves most.
This teaching lines up with Colossians 3:1-2, where Paul writes, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” The disciple’s life shouldn’t be driven by accumulation, but by devotion.
The Eye and the Inner Life
Jesus shifts metaphors in verses 22-23, saying, “The eye is the lamp of the body.” Just as the eye gives light to the body, our spiritual vision directs our life. A “healthy” eye (Greek: haplous, meaning single, sincere, or undivided) leads to a life full of light - clarity, focus, and integrity.
But if our eye is bad - clouded by greed, envy, or distraction - our whole being is filled with darkness. This isn’t just about physical vision; it’s about the soul’s focus. Proverbs 4:25-27 encourages us to fix our gaze straight ahead, avoiding the distractions that lead us away from righteousness. Jesus is calling us to a single-minded devotion to the Kingdom of God.
You Must Choose
Jesus closes this section with a piercing declaration: “No one can serve two masters” (v. 24). We may try to balance our allegiance, but sooner or later, one master will win out. “You cannot serve God and money.” The word translated “money” (mamōnas) includes wealth, possessions, and even materialism as a mindset.
Serving mammon leads to anxiety, self-focus, and slavery to things that can never satisfy. Serving God leads to peace, purpose, and eternal joy. The tension Jesus identifies is not just financial - it’s spiritual. Who owns your heart? Who sets your priorities? Who defines your success?
In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Instead, disciples of Christ are called to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), trusting the Father to provide all we truly need.
Bible Study Questions
What are some examples of earthly treasures we tend to pursue? How do they compare to treasures in Heaven? (v. 19-20)
Why does Jesus say that our heart follows our treasure? (v. 21) What does this teach us about our affections?
What does it mean to have a “healthy” or “single” eye in verse 22? How does this affect our spiritual life?
How can worldly distractions cloud our spiritual vision and fill us with darkness? (v. 23)
What is Jesus teaching us about loyalty and divided allegiance in verse 24?
How does this passage challenge modern consumerism and the pursuit of success?
What are some practical ways we can store up treasures in Heaven?
Why is it impossible to serve both God and money, according to Jesus?
How does this teaching connect with Matthew 6:33 about seeking first the Kingdom?
In what ways can generosity be a form of spiritual resistance to materialism?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
What do your current priorities say about what you treasure most?
Are there any possessions or ambitions you’ve been tempted to make into idols?
How can you begin to reorient your heart toward heavenly treasures this week?
What helps you keep an eternal perspective when you’re tempted to compare or compete?
How does your attitude toward money reflect your trust in God’s provision?
What spiritual disciplines can help you develop a “healthy eye” and single focus?
In what ways do you experience inner tension between serving God and serving mammon?
How can fasting or simplicity help you detach from materialism?
What role does contentment play in treasuring God above all else?
Who can you disciple or encourage this week to store up treasures in heaven?
Action Steps
Take time this week to list what you value most - where you spend your money, time, and attention. Ask God to reveal any misplaced treasures.
Identify a way to give joyfully and sacrificially this week - whether through finances, time, or possessions - as an act of devotion to God.
Begin each day by praying Matthew 6:21: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Let that shape your choices and affections.
Closing Thoughts
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-24 challenge us to examine not only what we treasure, but whom we serve. The heart cannot serve two masters. It will follow what it loves most. May we be people who treasure Christ above all, whose eyes are fixed on his Kingdom, and whose lives are marked by a joyful surrender to the Lord of all.
Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this passage. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points. If you found this study helpful, please consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe as well.
“The principle is clear: what you pursue reveals what you value.“
Substituting “I” for “you” speaks volumes for me. Definitely index card or sticky note material. Thank you Dale