What do you see?

Posted on 11 Feb 2019, Pastor: Rev. Derek Geldart

Charles Spurgeon called these verses “one of the most pithy, sententious utterances of our Savior,” “capable of being adapted to so many things that the best of commentators despair of being able to give you the whole of its fullness.” Amen! Having been “sandwiched” between Jesus’ reference to storing up treasures in verse 19-21 and His reference to “money” in verse 24, this passage undoubtedly relates to one’s attitude towards material possessions. And yet I can’t help but feel that Jesus’ command to keep one’s eye healthy has far reaching implications. While the letter of Jesus’ words clearly points to prosperity theology and wealth hording as being sins, His reference to the “eye being a lamp of the body” seems to indicate there is a deeper moral lesson to be learnt in this passage. The first part of this sermon is going to examine prosperity theology and Jesus’ rebuke of such thinking by explaining where “real” treasure is to be stored. The second part of this sermon is going to suggest the “eye” in this passage most likely refers to our affections and conscience and as such is a warning that what we allow into and dwell upon in our souls not only affects our faith but also obedience to Christ.