Seeing with a Good Eye: What did Jesus Say About Treasures In Heaven

I want to look at Matthew 6:19-23 in this blog post, but first some background.

When studying the Bible, I believe it’s essential to recognize a crucial distinction: while Scripture was written for us today, it was not originally written to us. Each passage of Scripture was crafted for a specific audience at a specific time, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To truly understand what is written, we must also understand the context—who wrote it, when it was written, to whom it was addressed, and the author’s purpose.

While Scripture is composed in narrative, poetry, and prose, the authors—and Jesus himself—frequently employed a more profound literary structure to impart meaning. Additionally, the thought processes and modes of expression of first-century Middle Eastern people were fundamentally different from the Western perspective we often use to interpret Scripture today. Misinterpretations can occur when we read biblical texts without recognizing these cultural and historical distinctions.

Two books that have helped me better understand these literary and cultural approaches are Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey, available in a combined edition. These works provide valuable insights into the world of first-century peasants and their unique ways of thinking, which can illuminate the deeper meanings in Scripture. Additionally, Ray Vander Laan’s video series, which places the Bible in its historical context, has been incredibly helpful for experiencing Scripture in a richer and more grounded way. These works provide valuable insights into the world of first-century peasants and their unique ways of thinking, which can illuminate the deeper meanings in Scripture.

This brings us to a fascinating passage in Matthew 6:19–23, which highlights the contrast between earthly and heavenly treasures and introduces a metaphor about the "eye." At first glance, some parts of this passage are straightforward, while others become clearer only when studied through the lens of cultural and literary context.

Matthew 6:19–23 (NET)

Exploring the Meaning of "Good Eye" and "Bad Eye"

What does having a "good eye" or a "bad eye" have to do with the way we accumulate wealth? In the cultural context of the Middle East, these terms carried significant meaning. A person with a "bad eye" was seen as stingy or greedy, while someone with a "good eye" was considered generous. The NIV translation even notes that the Greek word for "healthy" in verse 22 implies generosity, while "unhealthy" in verse 23 implies stinginess.

This connection suggests a relationship between accumulating earthly treasures and having a stingy, self-centered mindset. Conversely, accumulating treasures in heaven aligns with generosity and a "good eye."

Discovering the Chiasm in the Text

This passage also exhibits a chiastic structure—a literary device common in biblical writing. A chiasm uses parallelism to emphasize key points, often placing the central idea in the middle of the structure. Here’s how Matthew 6:19–23 can be broken down:

• A: Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

• B: But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

• C: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• B': The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

• A': But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

In this chiasm:

• The first (A) and last (A') sections parallel each other, comparing those who store up their treasures on earth with someone who has a diseased eye (stingy), full of darkness.

• The second (B) and fourth (B') sections parallel each other, comparing those who store up treasures in heaven with those who have a healthy eye, a generous person, who is full of light.

• The center (C) serves as the primary focus: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

This central message is vital because it underscores the link between our heart and our treasure. Where we invest our treasure (our time, energy, and resources) reveals the true focus of our hearts.

Applying This Teaching

Understanding the cultural and literary context of this passage enhances its application to our lives. The call to generosity isn’t merely a suggestion; it reflects a heart aligned with God’s values. It is a night and day difference (or light and darkness). By examining where we place our treasures—whether on earth or in heaven—we can better align our lives with the priorities of the Kingdom of God.

As we strive to live faithfully, let’s ask ourselves: What does it mean for us to have a "good eye"? How can we embody generosity in a way that reflects God’s grace and builds up treasures in heaven? Do we want a life filled with darkness or a life full of light.

What Did Jesus Say About Treasures In Heaven

The passage from Matthew 6:19–23 reminds us that our treasures reflect our priorities, and our priorities shape our hearts. By embracing generosity and focusing on eternal values, we align ourselves with God's purposes. Through studying the Bible’s historical and cultural context, we not only uncover deeper insights but also cultivate a richer relationship with God. In this way we can answer the question, what did Jesus really say about generosity?

I have found that this passage inspires me to examine where I invest my resources and whether I am living with a "good eye" that reflects the light of Christ to the world.