In this week’s message, Pastor Mark Deering explores Jesus’s teaching about treasures in heaven versus treasures on earth, explaining that where we place our treasures reveals where our hearts truly are. He unpacks Jesus’s metaphor about the “bad eye” as referring to stinginess and lack of generosity, contrasting it with having a “good eye” that generously shares what God has provided. Pastor Mark emphasizes that Christians cannot serve both God and money simultaneously, and must choose which master they will prioritize in their lives. The sermon concludes with practical financial wisdom about prioritizing generosity to God first, then saving, and living off the remainder, rather than prioritizing personal desires and giving God only what’s left over.
Reflection Questions
- List all of the contrasts in this passage. How does Jesus use these to show what is valuable?
- Read Matthew 20:1-16. How does this parable deepen your understanding of God’s grace? How does this inform your understanding of this passage of Matthew
- Reflect on your thoughts and actions in the last few weeks. What are the things in your life that capture your thoughts and attention? With what you have right now (finances, personality, etc.), how are you living generously with those things?
- What is one step you can take this week to live generously next week?
