As a principle, people think about and long for the place where their treasure resides, whether on earth or in heaven. Investing in heaven draws one"s affections in that direction, but if one"s riches are on earth he or she will think more about temporal things. [source][source][source]
Jesus wanted His disciples to be free from unnecessary anxiety as they faced opposition and persecution for their faith. To remove it from them He reminded them first that life consists of more than material possessions ( Luke 12:22-24). Second, He told them that worry is foolish because it cannot effect objective change ( Luke 12:25-28). Third, He noted that worry characterizes pagans ( Luke 12:29-31). Then He encouraged them with a reason not to fear, namely, that God would give them the kingdom ( Luke 12:32). Finally He urged them to transfer their assets from earth to heaven. This would give them immediate peace as well as eventual reward ( Luke 12:33-34). [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Luke 12:22-34 - The Cure For Anxious Care
Notice this contrast between two kinds of men: the one cares for himself, is anxious for this life, worries about food and clothes and standing a cubit higher in the estimate of his fellows; the other is content to fill the niche and do the work assigned him by the Father. And he performs his life-task, not for the remuneration it will bring, but for the "well-done" of God-sure that all which is needed, whether for his soul or body, will be provided by Him who gave him being. The Father knows thy varied need, trust Him!
Do not think of God as grudging! It is your Father's good pleasure to give. Nothing delights Him more than to be able to "give good things to them that ask Him." For Him also "it is more blessed to give than to receive." Remember that the best investments are those we store, not in banks, etc., but in the lives of others: for God Himself guarantees the interest. [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 12
1Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy 13and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns 22We must not worry about earthly things, 31but seek the kingdom of God; 33give alms; 35be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes 41Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges, 49and look for persecution 54The people must take this time of grace; 57because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation
Colossians 1:5Laid up [ἀποκειμένην] Lit., laid away, as the pound in the napkin, Luke 19:20. With the derivative sense of reserved or awaiting, as the crown, 2 Timothy 4:8. In Hebrews 9:27, it is rendered appointed (unto men to die), where, however, the sense is the same: death awaits men as something laid up. Rev., in margin, laid up for. Compare treasure in heaven, Matthew 6:20; Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:34. “Deposited, reserved, put by in store out of the reach of all enemies and sorrows” (Bishop Wilson). [source]
What do the individual words in Luke 12:34 mean?
Whereforisthetreasureof youtherealsotheheartwill be
Greek Commentary for Luke 12:34
Last word in the sentence in Luke. Otherwise like Matthew 6:21. See notes on 1 Corinthians 7:32-34 for similar principle. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 12:34
Lit., laid away, as the pound in the napkin, Luke 19:20. With the derivative sense of reserved or awaiting, as the crown, 2 Timothy 4:8. In Hebrews 9:27, it is rendered appointed (unto men to die), where, however, the sense is the same: death awaits men as something laid up. Rev., in margin, laid up for. Compare treasure in heaven, Matthew 6:20; Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:34. “Deposited, reserved, put by in store out of the reach of all enemies and sorrows” (Bishop Wilson). [source]