In Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, He made a bold statement that still challenges our priorities today: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). Far from being a call to reject money or possessions entirely, Jesus was urging His listeners to shift their focus from temporary, fragile things to eternal, lasting values. Earthly treasures can fade, break, or be stolen—but treasures in heaven, such as love, generosity, faithfulness, and service to others, are secure and enduring. This wasn’t just a command—it was an invitation to invest in what truly matters.
The deeper message is about the direction of your heart. Jesus explained that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). In other words, what you value most shapes your thoughts, choices, and future. He wasn’t condemning wealth itself, but warning against letting it rule your life. Whether it’s through acts of compassion, sharing your resources, or using your gifts for God’s kingdom, storing treasures in heaven is about aligning your life with eternal purpose. Keep reading to explore exactly how to do that and what it means for your faith and future.
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If you’ve ever read the Sermon on the Mount, you’ve probably come across this powerful line from Jesus:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
— Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV)
But what did Jesus actually mean by that? Was He telling people not to save money? Should we avoid owning things altogether? Or is there a deeper message here?
Let’s break it down clearly and simply, straight from Scripture.
1. Where Jesus Said It – The Context Matters
Jesus said this during His most famous teaching: the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7). This wasn’t a random quote. It came after He had been teaching about:
- Humility
- Generosity
- Prayer
- Fasting
- Trust in God
Then He moves into the topic of money and what we value most. That’s where this line comes in.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
— Matthew 6:19
Jesus isn’t condemning having things. He’s pointing out a reality: Earthly stuff doesn’t last. It breaks, rusts, gets stolen, or loses value.
Instead, He says:
“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 6:20
So, what are these “heavenly treasures”? Let’s get into that.
2. What Are Treasures in Heaven?
Jesus isn’t talking about literal gold in the sky. “Treasures in heaven” are eternal rewards that come from living for God’s kingdom — not your own.
Here’s what the Bible consistently shows as examples of heavenly treasure:
a. Loving God and Others
- Obedience and love for God are always rewarded (John 14:21).
- Loving others, especially those in need, pleases God (Matthew 25:35–40).
b. Generosity
- Jesus told a rich man to sell his possessions and give to the poor, saying:
“…and you will have treasure in heaven.”
— Matthew 19:21
- Paul told the church in 1 Timothy 6:18–19 to be rich in good deeds and generous, which would allow them to “lay up treasure for themselves.”
c. Faithfulness in Trials
- James 1:12 says:
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial… they will receive the crown of life.”
These kinds of “treasures” last. You can’t lose them. They’re not dependent on the stock market, inflation, or burglars.
3. What Jesus Didn’t Mean
Let’s be clear — Jesus did not say:
- “Don’t ever save money.”
- “Quit your job and give away everything.”
- “Being rich is a sin.”
The Bible has many faithful, wealthy people — Abraham, Joseph, Job, Lydia, and others. Money itself isn’t the problem.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
— 1 Timothy 6:10
Jesus is warning against living for money — putting all your trust and hope in earthly wealth.
4. Why Earthly Treasures Are a Risk
Jesus gives two main reasons:
a. They’re Temporary
Everything on earth eventually fades. Even the best stuff:
- Clothes wear out
- Houses crumble
- Cars break down
- Bank accounts get hacked or devalue
You can spend your whole life chasing more, but you can’t take any of it with you.
“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
— 1 Timothy 6:7
b. They Compete With Your Heart
Jesus goes on to say something vital:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:21
This is key.
Your heart follows your treasure. If your treasure is in stocks, real estate, or status — that’s what you’ll obsess over. If your treasure is in heaven — in living for God and serving others — your heart will chase those things.
5. So How Do You “Store Up Treasures in Heaven”?
Here’s where it gets practical. Storing up heavenly treasure is about what you prioritize every day. It’s not just about donating money — it’s about living for what lasts.
Simple Ways to Invest in Heaven:
- Love and serve people
- Help a neighbor.
- Forgive someone who hurt you.
- Spend time with someone lonely.
- Give generously
- Support your church.
- Give to missions or disaster relief.
- Sponsor a child in need.
- Use your gifts for God
- Are you good at teaching, building, encouraging, organizing?
- Use those gifts to help others and build God’s kingdom.
- Share the gospel
- Point people to Jesus.
- Pray for others.
- Support ministries spreading the good news.
6. Real-Life Example from Jesus
Jesus once watched people giving money at the temple. Rich people gave large amounts. But then a poor widow came and gave two small coins.
Jesus said:
“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others.”
— Luke 21:3
Why? Because she gave from her heart. She gave sacrificially, not just from her leftovers.
That’s the kind of action that stores treasure in heaven — it’s about the heart behind the giving.
7. Bottom Line: Your Treasure Shapes Your Life
This whole teaching from Jesus isn’t about making you feel guilty for owning things.
It’s about freedom. When you stop living for money, success, or stuff — you’re free to live for things that really matter.
- Eternal things.
- People.
- God’s kingdom.
And those things can’t be stolen, broken, or lost.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus said to store up treasure in heaven because earthly wealth is temporary and heavenly rewards are eternal.
- Treasures in heaven come from generosity, love, service, obedience, and faithfulness.
- Your heart follows your treasure — so choose wisely where you invest your time, energy, and resources.
- God doesn’t need your money — but He wants your heart.
Final Thought
Ask yourself this:
“If everything I own disappeared tomorrow, what would I still have?”
If your treasure is in heaven — you’d still have everything that matters.
Related Scriptures to Reflect On:
- Matthew 6:24 – “You cannot serve both God and money.”
- Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
- Proverbs 11:4 – “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
Want to learn more about living a Kingdom-focused life?
Start by reading Matthew 5–7 — Jesus’ full Sermon on the Mount. It’s the blueprint.
FAQs: Why Did Jesus Say “Store Up for Yourselves Treasures in Heaven”? [What the Bible Actually Says]
1. What did Jesus mean by “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven”?
Jesus meant that instead of living for temporary wealth or possessions, we should focus on eternal things—like loving others, being generous, serving God, and living faithfully. These actions have eternal value and “store up” spiritual rewards in heaven.
2. Is it wrong to have money or possessions if Jesus said to store up treasures in heaven?
No, having money or possessions isn’t wrong. Jesus wasn’t condemning wealth—He was warning against loving or trusting it more than God. The Bible teaches good stewardship, but not to place your hope in earthly things that don’t last.
3. Does storing treasures in heaven mean giving away all my money?
Not necessarily. It’s about your priorities and heart posture. Generosity is one part of storing treasure in heaven, but it also includes faithfulness, love, serving others, and obedience to God’s Word.
4. Where in the Bible does Jesus say to store up treasures in heaven?
Jesus says this in Matthew 6:19–21, during the Sermon on the Mount. It’s part of His teaching on living with an eternal perspective rather than being obsessed with material gain.
5. What are examples of treasures in heaven?
Treasures in heaven include:
- Acts of love and kindness
- Faithfulness in trials
- Generosity to the poor
- Leading others to Christ
- Obedience to God
These actions are eternal and will be rewarded by God.
6. How can I practically store up treasures in heaven today?
You can:
- Love and serve people daily
- Give to those in need
- Support your local church or missions
- Use your talents for God
- Stay faithful through hardship
- Share the gospel
7. Why is it important to focus on heavenly treasure instead of earthly treasure?
Earthly treasure is temporary—it can rust, break, or be stolen. Heavenly treasure is eternal and secure. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21), meaning what you value shapes your whole life.
8. What does the Bible say happens when you store treasures in heaven?
The Bible teaches that God rewards faithfulness. While we don’t earn salvation, our actions done for Christ will be honored and remembered in eternity (see 1 Corinthians 3:12–14 and Matthew 19:29).
9. Is storing up treasure in heaven about getting rewards or just living rightly?
It’s both. Jesus encouraged us to think eternally, not just morally. While we live rightly out of love for God, Scripture also shows that heavenly rewards are real and that God delights in blessing those who follow Him (Hebrews 11:6).
10. How does storing treasures in heaven affect my everyday life?
It changes your priorities. You begin to value people over things, eternity over temporary pleasures, and obedience over comfort. It helps you live with purpose, knowing that what you do now matters forever.
