Matthew 23:18 (KJV)
And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
I’m just going to put this passage out there as foundational to the principle:
Matthew 5:34 (KJV)
But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne.
Let’s keep this in mind. It’s best to “swear not at all.” What’s happening in our text is not a lesson on how and upon what to swear. It is a lesson rather on the value of those things we count as spiritual.
We tend to put the most value on what seems practical, tangible, immediate, or helpful—at least for the moment. But in our text, Jesus places these “things of God” in order, from the least to the greatest.
First level: The Gift
The Pharisees valued the gift, but that was hypocritical. The altar upon which the gift is given is greater.
Second level: The Altar
The altar is greater than the gift because it represents not only our gift but all that is placed upon it. The combined, continuing gifts become useful in God’s work.
Third level: The Temple
For our purposes, this points to the local church today. The church is the body of Christ. It is so much more than time, talents, and treasures given—it is the life of Christ lived out visibly, organized, and active in the community. It is not a social gathering; it is the presence of Christ, who is its Head.
Fourth level: Heaven
What a joy to anticipate heaven—the place where God’s will is done perfectly, freely, and without error or coercion.
Fifth level: The Throne of God
The throne represents God’s authority, majesty, righteousness, beauty, judgment, wealth, grace, and mercy—all resting in Him who reigns.
Final and ultimate: Him that sitteth on the throne
This is where our eyes must be fixed. Too often, we focus on the things of God—the benefits, the works, the rest, the home—and miss God Himself.
I remember a song I heard often when I first got saved:
“Jesus will be what makes it heaven to me.”
If the walls were not jasper,
If the streets not pure gold,
If mansions crumbled,
If folks could grow old,
Still I’d see everything I’ve longed to see,
Because Jesus will be what makes it heaven to me.
(Words and Music by Lanny Wolfe, Lanny Wolfe Music Co., ASCAP, Copyright 1974)
#ValueWhatMatters #FromGiftToGod #ChristAboveAll #EyesOnTheThrone #JesusMakesItHeaven
From Gift to God Himself: What Truly Makes Heaven Heaven
✨ What do you value most — the blessings of God, or God Himself? ✨
Jesus taught that the altar is greater than the gift, the temple greater than the altar, and the throne of God greater than them all. But above everything is the Lord Himself. 🙌
📖 Are you focusing on the things of God, or on God Himself?
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — what helps you keep your eyes on the Lord?
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