The saying of Jesus that “No one can serve two masters” is found in Matthew 6:24. This verse comes in the midst of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches on various spiritual and practical topics. In the preceding verses (Matthew 6:19-23), Jesus commands His followers not to lay up treasures on earth but rather in heaven. He then transitions into verse 24 with a warning about divided loyalties.
The full verse reads: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 ESV). By saying “no one can serve two masters”, Jesus is teaching that we cannot be completely loyal to two different authorities at the same time. Eventually our loyalty and service will be more towards one than the other.
In the second part of the verse, Jesus explains why we cannot serve two masters. If we try to do so, we will either end up hating one master and loving the other, or being devoted to one master while despising the other. Half-hearted service is impossible when submitted to opposing authorities. Jesus makes the application clear – it is impossible to serve both God and money at the same time. If God and wealth compete for our allegiance, only one can win.
1. The two masters: God and money
Jesus contrasts two different masters – God and money (or “mammon” in some translations). We might initially think that money itself is neutral, but Jesus personifies it here as a master competing with God for our service and allegiance. Money represents worldly possessions, status, and priorities that can quickly become idols that replace God at the center of our lives. We cannot cling to earthly riches while also serving God wholeheartedly. Jesus already warned against storing up earthly treasures, and now He warns about serving mammon instead of God.
2. We end up preferring one master over the other
Jesus states the impossibility of serving two masters bluntly. If we try to serve both God and money/worldly things, we will end up hating and despising one while loving and clinging to the other. Half-hearted devotion is not possible. At some point, our actions and priorities will reveal that one master has won our true allegiance. The pulls of wealth, possessions, status, and earthly security often drown out loyalty to God in subtle ways. We cannot hedge our bets by attempting to serve both – sitting on the fence will not work.
3. The call to single-minded devotion
This verse issues a radical call to single-minded devotion to God alone. Jesus demands utter loyalty to Himself, even when it costs us comfort, wealth, and worldly status. Following Jesus requires putting Him above even good things like family, careers, and possessions. He is stating that devotion to Him eclipses even legitimate aspects of life like providing for one’s family. The single-minded allegiance Jesus requires seems impossible for us to perfectly fulfill. But by God’s grace, His Spirit can help us.
4. Wealth is not inherently evil
It is important to note that Jesus is not stating that money or possessions are inherently evil in themselves. Financial resources can be used in many God-honoring ways. The issue arises when the pursuit of wealth displaces God from the throne of our lives. Jesus highlights the inner posture of the heart, not just outward actions. We must look inward to see what competes with our devotion to God. Money easily becomes an idol that distorts our priorities and loyalty.
5. Stewardship replaces ownership
Since we cannot serve both God and money, Jesus calls us to a radical posture towards our possessions. Instead of owning, we are called to be stewards who manage resources entrusted to us for God’s glory. God owns everything, including our livelihoods. This frees us from materialism and anxiety by recognizing that God is the ultimate provider of every good thing (James 1:7). Generous stewardship displaces the love of money that Jesus warns against.
6. Seeking God’s kingdom reorients us
Right before stating that we cannot serve two masters, Jesus commands his followers to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This reorients our lives around eternal priorities instead of temporal, earthly rewards. Loving and serving God brings into focus what matters most. When our eyes are fixed on Him, we find the grace to hold worldly wealth and possessions loosely. Seeking His kingdom inoculates us from the destructive pull of materialism, status, and earthly security.
7. Serving money leads to anxiety and frustration
Jesus hints that serving money will fail to satisfy us. Anxiety about provision and finding security often accompany making wealth a priority (Matthew 6:25-34). On the other hand, Jesus promises that if we seek God’s kingdom first, He will generously provide for our needs (Matthew 6:33). Serving money breeds worries and restlessness, while serving God grants contentment and freedom from anxiety. Our master directs our emotional state.
8. Serving God brings freedom and joy
Not only does serving God free us from worry, but it also brings lasting joy and contentment. Jesus promises a full and satisfied life to those who follow Him (John 10:10). In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). When we prioritize loving and serving God, we find purpose and satisfaction that earthly wealth cannot provide. He gives us richly to enjoy everything (1 Timothy 6:17). Our master directs our inner well-being.
9. The Holy Spirit empowers wholehearted service
Since uncompromised service to God seems impossible in our own strength, Jesus promises the empowering Holy Spirit to those who follow Him. God’s very presence in us enables loyal obedience that supersedes earthly allegiances. The early Christians demonstrated the supernatural generosity and community that results from hearts devoted fully to God (Acts 2:42-47). As the Spirit renews our minds, He aligns our priorities with God’s kingdom.
10. Serving money reveals misplaced trust
Jesus diagnoses the reason we serve money – we falsely believe it provides safety and happiness. Rather than trusting God’s goodness and provision, we place our hope in what we can accumulate and control. Jesus exposes this misplaced trust and calls us back to childlike dependence upon God (Matthew 6:25-34). Our anxiety about having enough reveals how we have functionally replaced God with wealth. Faith in God’s care alone can break this cycle.
In summary, Jesus’ statement that “no one can serve two masters” reminds us of the singular devotion God deserves in our lives. Anything less than full surrender divides our loyalties and will not suffice. By God’s grace, the Spirit reorients our hearts to make seeking God’s kingdom our highest priority. As we trust Him fully, we find freedom from materialism and rest in His abundant provision for today and eternity.