Topical Bible: Treasure: A Thing of Highly-Estimated Value: Jesus Forbids the Hoarding of

◄ Treasure: A Thing of Highly-Estimated Value: Jesus Forbids the Hoarding of ►

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In the biblical context, "treasure" often refers to material wealth or possessions that are highly valued by individuals. However, the teachings of Jesus Christ provide a profound perspective on the nature and purpose of treasure, emphasizing the spiritual over the material.

Jesus' Teachings on Treasure

Jesus addresses the concept of treasure in several passages, most notably in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:19-21 , He instructs His followers: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Here, Jesus contrasts earthly treasures, which are temporary and vulnerable, with heavenly treasures, which are eternal and secure.

The Parable of the Rich Fool

In Luke 12:16-21 , Jesus tells the Parable of the Rich Fool to illustrate the futility of hoarding earthly wealth. The rich man in the parable plans to store his abundant crops in larger barns, saying to himself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry." However, God says to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?" Jesus concludes, "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God."

The Rich Young Ruler

Another significant encounter is with the rich young ruler, as recorded in Matthew 19:16-22 . The young man asks Jesus what good deed he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, and when the young man claims he has done so, Jesus adds, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." The young man leaves in sorrow because he has great wealth, illustrating the difficulty of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions.

The Heart's True Treasure

Jesus' teachings emphasize that the true value of treasure lies not in its material form but in its alignment with God's kingdom. In Matthew 6:24 , He warns, "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." This underscores the importance of choosing where one's allegiance lies—whether in the temporal wealth of this world or in the eternal riches of God's kingdom.

Generosity and Stewardship

The New Testament further encourages believers to view their possessions as a means of serving others and advancing God's work. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 , Paul advises, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on treasure challenges believers to evaluate their priorities and to seek treasures that align with God's eternal purposes. Jesus' teachings call for a heart that values heavenly riches over earthly wealth, encouraging a life of generosity, stewardship, and devotion to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 6:19
Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
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Matthew 19:21
Jesus said to him, If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
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Luke 12:33
Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts.
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