The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Many people came to hear about the kingdom and left hearing about a lifestyle in the kingdom. I would imagine most people who came to hear Jesus showed up with the expectation – what does the kingdom have for me?
Jesus asked a different question. Are you living in God’s Kingdom?
The religious dog and pony show that had become a rigid set of rules and guidelines needed to be addressed. God’s Kingdom is much more than outward appearances. Again, His message was aimed precisely at the heart – the core issue. Here in Matthew 6, Jesus gets into spiritual disciplines. Behavior is important, but character reveals the heart. He touches on the treasures of the earth. Our relationship and stewardship of resources and riches tell a lot about what we think about Jesus’ kingdom. It reveals our priorities.
Jesus was changing hearts and minds. The kingdom of heaven involved the full spectrum of Salvation. It was the foreshadowing of the Gospel. Like a farmer scattering seeds, Jesus was preparing these people to live in His established kingdom after his death, burial, and resurrection. They probably didn’t make much sense to his first audience, but we should be living these principles today. Not only are we more empowered by the Scriptures, but we have the Holy Spirit who makes it possible for us to live out these spiritual disciplines.
“The two kinds of treasures are conditioned by their place (either upon earth or in heaven). The concept of laying up treasure in heaven is not pictured as one of meritorious benefits but rather of rewards for faithful service, as is illustrated elsewhere in the teaching of Jesus. The ultimate destiny of our lives is either earthly or heavenly and the concentration of our efforts will reveal where our real treasure is.”
Nelson’s New Illustrated Commentary