Matthew 6:20
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Cross-references
In Matthew 19:21, Jesus tells the rich young ruler to sell possessions, give to poor, and have treasure in heaven — a direct application.
In Luke 12:33, Jesus gives the same command: sell possessions, give alms, and have treasure in heaven that never fails.
In Luke 18:22, Jesus again connects selling everything and giving to poor with having treasure in heaven.
In Hebrews 10:34, believers' hope in a better, abiding possession exemplifies the heavenly treasure Jesus promises here.
In Hebrews 11:26, Moses' choice of reproach over Egyptian treasures exemplifies prioritizing heavenly reward—laying up treasure in heaven.
1 Peter 1:4 describes an incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven—directly paralleling treasure that moth and rust cannot destroy.
Luke 12:21 gives the same teaching: storing earthly treasure is folly, being rich toward God is the true goal.
Colossians 1:5 speaks of 'hope laid up for you in heaven,' directly paralleling the treasure stored in heaven.
Colossians 3:1 urges seeking things above, where Christ is, which aligns with storing treasures in heaven.
2 Timothy 4:8 mentions a 'crown of righteousness' laid up in heaven, a specific reward akin to stored treasure.
James 5:2 uses the same 'moth-eaten' imagery for decaying wealth, reinforcing Jesus' warning about earthly treasure.
In 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul warns the rich not to trust uncertain riches but God — an attitude that enables storing heavenly treasure.
Revelation 2:9 reveals the poor in Smyrna are spiritually rich—possessing heavenly treasure despite earthly poverty.
1 Peter 5:4 promises an unfading crown of glory—a specific heavenly treasure laid up for faithful elders.
James 2:5 says the poor are heirs of the kingdom—rich in faith, showing true treasure is heavenly inheritance.
Proverbs 21:20 praises storing earthly goods wisely; here Jesus shifts the focus to storing treasures in heaven.
Ecclesiastes 5:14 shows earthly wealth lost in a bad venture, contrasting with the imperishable treasure Jesus commands.