A Biblical-Theological Analysis of Matthew 6:19-34 to Clarity the Relationship between the Christian Discipleship and Money

Abstract

SUMMARY: This thesis conducts a biblical-theological analysis of Matthew 6:19-34. The main problem is to clarify what this passage of scripture teaches about the relationship between the Christian disciple and money. Matthew 6:19-34 is found within the discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount. By interacting with the various views on how the Sermon on the Mount is to be read this thesis settles on the opinion that the Sermon is addressed primarily to Christian disciples with the expectation that it’s demand can and should be met by the disciple. An analysis of the historical and literary contexts of the text is conducted as well as an analysis of the major theological motifs found within the text. By conducting a synthesis of these findings it is shown that Jesus presents money as a rival god that challenges for allegiance that rightly belongs to God. Jesus also draws attention to the way this allegiance to God can be expressed. The findings show that money and God are radically different gods. There are significantly different consequences to the believer that result from obedience to either money or God. Discipleship will be shown to be a discipline that is a community affair, and thus the consequences of allegiance to God or money are to be understood in how one’s stewardship of money affects the community.

SUMMARY: This thesis conducts a biblical-theological analysis of Matthew 6:19-34. The main problem is to clarify what this passage of scripture teaches about the relationship between the Christian disciple and money. Matthew 6:19-34 is found within the discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount. By interacting with the various views on how the Sermon on the Mount is to be read this thesis settles on the opinion that the Sermon is addressed primarily to Christian disciples with the expectation that it’s demand can and should be met by the disciple. An analysis of the historical and literary contexts of the text is conducted as well as an analysis of the major theological motifs found within the text. By conducting a synthesis of these findings it is shown that Jesus presents money as a rival god that challenges for allegiance that rightly belongs to God. Jesus also draws attention to the way this allegiance to God can be expressed. The findings show that money and God are radically different gods. There are significantly different consequences to the believer that result from obedience to either money or God. Discipleship will be shown to be a discipline that is a community affair, and thus the consequences of allegiance to God or money are to be understood in how one’s stewardship of money affects the community.