What Does Jesus Say About The Poor

9 Quotes From Jesus On Why We Must Help The Poor – THE BORGEN PROJECT

SEATTLE — The city of Seattle is home to the Seattle Mariners. No matter what a person’s religious convictions are, there is always the possibility of discovering essential teachings in the sacred books of the world’s many religious traditions. One of the most important messages of the New Testament and Jesus Christ is that mankind should do all in its power to assist the impoverished. In particular, these teachings ring true for Americans, as many of those who argue for reductions in social expenditure and foreign aid also have a strong and intense relationship with Jesus and Christianity.

  1. Luke 6:20-21 (KJV) When he saw his followers looking up at him, he remarked, ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for it is yours that the kingdom of God is. You who are hungry right now will be blessed because you will be satisfied. Luke 4:16-19 says, “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh afterwards.” After arriving at Nazareth, where he had grown up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath, as was his usual at the time. He rose to his feet to read, and a scroll from the prophet Isaiah was handed across to him. He unrolled the scroll and came to the part where it said: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to deliver good news to the poor.’ He read the rest of the passage. “He has sent me to announce freedom for the prisoners and sight restoration for those who have lost their sight, to set the oppressed free, and to herald the coming of the year of the Lord’s favor.” Matthew 25:34-36 “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,” the king will say to those at his right hand, “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” (Mark 10:21-22) Then Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You need one thing
  2. Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven
  3. Then come, follow me.’ “You lack one thing
  4. Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor,” Jesus said. When he realized what had happened, he was surprised and grieved, for he possessed a large amount of property
  5. Mark 12:41-44 He took a seat across the street from the treasury and observed the mob depositing money into the vault. A great number of wealthy individuals contributed large sums. A poor widow came and deposited two little copper coins, each of which is worth a cent, in the box. Then he brought his followers together and told them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has contributed more to the treasury than all of those who are donating to it.” For all of them have given from their riches, but she has given from her poverty, giving everything she had, everything she had to survive on.’
  6. Luke 14:12-14 ‘When you host a luncheon or supper, don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, or wealthy neighbors, for fear that they may invite you in return, and you will be reimbursed,’ he said. Invite the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind to a banquet instead of inviting everyone else. Because they are unable to repay you, and because you will be reimbursed at the resurrection of the righteous, you will be blessed.’
  7. Luke 16:19-25 One day, there was a wealthy guy who dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted lavishly every day of the week. Even the dogs would come to his gate and lick the sores of a poor man named Lazarus who desired to be fed from the scraps that fell from the wealthy man’s dinner
  8. Even the dogs would come and lick the sores of Lazarus. The poor guy died and was taken away by the angels to live with Abraham in the afterlife. Luke 11:39-42 describes the death and burial of the rich man. ‘Now you Pharisees clean the surface of the cup and the plate, but on the inside you are brimming with greed and iniquity,’ the Lord remarked to him. You cretins! Isn’t it true that the person who created the outer also created the interior? So give away those things that are within you as alms, and you will see that everything will be clean for you. Nevertheless, woe betide you, Pharisees! In exchange for this, you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds while neglecting justice and the love of God.’
  9. Luke 12:16–21 (KJV) Then he told them a parable: ‘A wealthy man’s farm produced an abundance of food. In his mind’s eye he asked himself, ‘What should I do now that I don’t have a place to keep my crops?’ “I’m going to do this: I’m going to demolish my barns and replace them with larger ones, where I’ll keep all of my grain and other things,” he explained. Then I’ll say to my soul, ‘Soul, you’ve had enough of food and drink stored up for many years
  10. Take it easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.’ God, on the other hand, replied to him, “You fool!” Your life is being asked of you right now, in the middle of the night. And who will be in charge of the things you’ve prepared for them?’ ‘It is the same with individuals who accumulate wealth for themselves but are not wealthy in the eyes of God.’

Without regard to metaphysics or religious belief, Jesus may be called one of the most renowned humanitarians in the history of mankind. Among the many areas of life in which his teachings may be applied worldwide are efforts to alleviate the suffering of millions of people living in poverty all over the world. —Jake Simon et al. Photo:Flickr

What Does God Have To Say About Poverty?

Bible Verses to Help You Get Out of Poverty People who have been crushed, according to the Bible, might expect God to “take up their case.” When we follow His example, we become an advocate for the disadvantaged, doing everything we can to fight for justice on their behalf. The Bible presents two ideas on how to overcome poverty: first, how to be generous and second, how to be generous.

1. God is an advocate to the oppressed

  • It is the Lord who provides a safe haven for the downtrodden and a fortress in times of difficulty. In Psalm 9:9, God says that the wicked will be cast into the region of the dead, along with all the countries that have forgotten God. God, on the other hand, will never forget the poor, and the hope of the oppressed will never die. In Psalm 9:17-18, the Lord states, “Because the poor are robbed and the needy groan, I will now arise,” referring to the plight of the impoverished. “I will defend them against those who wish to harm them.” I shall scream, “Who is like you, Lord?” with my entire self, according to Psalm 12:5. You save the poor from those who are too strong for them, and you save the poor and needy from those who would plunder them.” — Psalm 35:10
  • I will abundantly laud the Lord with my tongue, and I will praise him in the midst of a huge throng of worshipers. Because he is at the right hand of people who are in need, defending their lives from those who would sentence them to death. It is my understanding that the Lord ensures justice for the poor and protects the cause of those who are in need of assistance. — Psalm 109:30-31
  • May the mountains provide prosperity to the people, and the hills yield the fruit of righteousness, according to Psalm 140:12. Please help him to protect those who are oppressed among his people and to rescue those who are in need
  • Please help him to defeat the oppressor. — Psalm 72:3-4
  • For he will rescue the helpless who call out to him, and the distressed who have no one to turn to for assistance. He will have compassion on the weak and the needy, and he will save the helpless from certain death. He will save them from injustice and violence, for their blood is valuable in his eyes, and he will save them. The Lord our God, who sits enthroned on high and stoops down to gaze at the sky and the earth, is described in Psalm 72:12-14 as follows: And he takes them from their pits of ashes and places them with princes, with the princes of his people, and elevates them from their plights of poverty and adversity. In Psalm 113:5-8, it says, “Blessed are those who have the God of Jacob as their aid, and whose trust is in the Lord their God.” He is the Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them, and he has remained loyal throughout all of time. He fights for the rights of the disadvantaged and provides meals for the poor in his community. The Lord releases captives, the Lord restores sight to the blind, the Lord raises those who are bent down, and the Lord is compassionate toward the upright. The Lord keeps an eye on the stranger and provides for the fatherless and widow, but he ruins the plans of the wicked and makes them fail. The poor and the needy have found refuge in you, and you have provided shelter from the storm and shade from the sun. — Psalm 146:5-9
  • You have provided sanctuary for the poor and the needy in their suffering. — Isaiah 25:4
  • Looking at his followers, he remarked, “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” You who are hungry right now will be blessed because you will be satiated. It is fortunate for those who mourn today, since they will laugh afterwards.” — Matthew 6:20-21
  • Luke 6:20-21
2. God uses His people to help those in need
  • Because they share their food with the needy, the generous will reap the benefits of their generosity. — Proverbs 22:9
  • Never let your spiritual zeal wane, but always strive to do your best in serving the Lord. Enjoy your hope, endure sorrow, and pray with persistence. Give to those who are in need among the Lord’s people. Make an effort to be welcoming. — Romans 12:11-13
  • 1 Corinthians 13:11-13

Are you actively assisting others who are less fortunate than yourself? Compassion International provides you with a straightforward method of assisting others. The hope and aid you provide to a family in need will be channeled through God, who will use your generosity to provide clean drinking water and educational opportunities as well as nourishment and medical care as well as job training and other assistance. Most importantly, your sponsored kid will come to understand that God loves him or her!

20 Bible Verses about the Poor

“That’s not fair!” says the speaker. From the moment we are children, we have had difficulty accepting the way things are. The world isn’t fair, and it’s really frustrating to have to deal with. As we grow older, we come to know that unfairness is a far more serious problem than we previously recognized. In terms of fairness, it is not just a question of who received the greater quantity of ice cream or who gets to play the PlayStation first. People sometimes find themselves in difficult situations through no fault of their own.

God makes several references to money and finances throughout the Bible.

But the matter also comes up frequently because God cares about the impoverished and wants His people to show compassion and sympathy toward them in their plight.

Here are 20 of the numerous Bible scriptures that speak about the poor that will help you gain a deeper knowledge of God’s compassion toward the impoverished.

1. Make provision for the poor (Leviticus 19:9–10)

“Harvesting your land’s harvest should not extend to the very boundaries of your field, nor should it be used to gather the gleanings of your land’s crop. Avoid going through your vineyard a second time or picking up any grapes that have fallen off the vine. Leave them to the plight of the poor and foreigners. I am the Lord your God, and I am speaking to you.” The Israelites weren’t the only people in the ancient Near East who didn’t harvest the edges of their fields; the Egyptians and the Babylonians did as well.

The law of Yahweh was distinct.

However, this sacrifice was made in order to assure that the destitute and immigrants would have enough to eat as well.

2. Do not pervert justice (Leviticus 19:15)

“Do not corrupt justice; do not show prejudice to the poor or favoritism to the powerful; rather, judge your friend honestly,” the Bible says. The Israelites’ sense of justice was to be a reflection of God’s impartiality. The impartial character of the Hebrew judicial system was to provide a remedy for the lack of fairness that existed in a damaged world. However, the impoverished were to be cared for, but not in a way that was discriminatory towards the wealthy. Likewise, when it came to making choices, the wealthy were not to be given preferential treatment.

3. Help the poor among you (Leviticus 25:35–36)

“Help them as you would a foreigner or stranger if any of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty and is unable to maintain themselves while living among you. This will allow them to continue to dwell in your community. Do not seek any interest or profit from them, but rather fear your God, in order for them to be able to continue living among you.” The Israelites were unafraid to provide hospitality to their guests. The Israelites were required to treat the sojourners among them with decency and respect since they were to serve as a light to the Gentiles, and indeed to all nations (Isaiah 49:6).

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4. Help the poor among your fellow Israelites (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)

“Please do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward anybody who is impoverished among your fellow Israelites in any of the communities of the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Instead, be generous with your time and resources, lending people anything they require.” Throughout the Old Testament, God gives His people specific instructions on how to treat one another and the world around them. The Lord urges them to look after one another, and He encourages them to look after others who are not related to them.

The Israelites should keep the best interests of everyone in mind.

He summarizes the entire rule by saying that we should love God and love our neighbor. “And who is my neighbor?” the lawyer inquires, in an attempt to defend himself. The Parable of the Good Samaritan is told at this point, demonstrating that we are all one another’s neighbors.

5. There will always be poor among you (Deuteronomy 15:10–11)

“Give them liberally and do it without grumbling in your heart, and the Lord your God will bless you in all your labor and in everything you undertake. It is inevitable that there will always be impoverished people in the world. In order to do this, I instruct you to be kind toward your fellow Israelites who are destitute and in need in your land.” As the apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7, “God loves a joyful giver.” God didn’t only want the Israelites to give liberally to the destitute; He wanted them to do so with a thankful heart, as He had commanded Moses.

God would bless them if they were selfless and considerate of others.

However, this does not decrease the urge to charity; on the contrary, it strengthens it.

6. Uphold the cause of the poor (Psalm 82:3–4)

“Fight on behalf of the vulnerable and the fatherless; advocate for those who are marginalized and persecuted. The poor and the needy must be rescued and delivered from the clutches of the evil one.” God is not a naïve being. He is well aware of the tendency for the powerful to take advantage of the weak. He expects His people to rule in a way that protects the weak and the defenseless.

7. The Lord secures justice (Psalm 140:12)

The Lord ensures justice for the destitute and protects the cause of the needy, and I am certain in this.” As recorded in Leviticus 25:35–36, God instructs the Israelites that when it comes to dealing with the destitute, they should be fearful of God. Through Scripture, God urges His people to be generous and fair to the needy, but He also reminds them that justice will come one way or another—and that it is far preferable to choose justice rather than experience God’s justice—than to experience God’s justice.

8. Be kind to the needy (Proverbs 14:21)

The Lord ensures justice for the poor and protects the cause of the needy, and I am certain in that. God advises the Israelites in Leviticus 25:35–36 that they should be fearful of Him when it comes to dealing with the destitute. God urges His people to be generous and fair to the needy throughout Scripture, but He also warns them that justice will come one way or another—and that it is far preferable to choose to behave justly than to endure God’s justice. In the post “24 Informative Bible Verses on Justice,” you can learn more about this subject.

9. Oppressing the poor shows contempt for their Maker (Proverbs 14:31)

According to the Bible, “Whoever oppresses the poor displays disdain for their Creator, but whoever is friendly to the poor praises God.” It is vital to remember that God is directly affected by our treatment of the less fortunate.

When we are generous to people in need, we demonstrate our reverence for God. After all, He is their creator and He loves them as much as they love Him. However, we must keep in mind that the inverse is also true. When we abuse the poor, we are showing disrespect to the Lord.

10. Never gloat over disaster (Proverbs 17:5)

According to the Bible, “Whoever oppresses the poor displays disdain for their Maker, but whoever is friendly to the poor praises God.” Understanding that God is personally affected by our treatment of the poor is vital. Respect for God is demonstrated when we are kind to people in need. It’s true that He created them and that He loves them. However, we must keep in mind that the inverse is also true in this situation. The Lord is disregarded when we treat the needy unfairly.

11. Kindness to the poor is like lending to God (Proverbs 19:17)

“Whoever is kind to the needy gives to the Lord, and the Lord will repay them for their deeds,” the Bible says. Consider the implications of owing God money. That is exactly what occurs when you demonstrate generosity to the less fortunate people in your life. It is possible that the Lord might simply require that we care for the destitute, yet He does not do so. And He pledges to compensate His children for every act of kindness that they perform on His behalf.

12. Hearing the cries of the poor (Proverbs 21:13)

“Whoever closes their ears to the cries of the destitute will likewise cry out and be unheard,” says the Bible. Even while it’s tempting to read this text and conclude that God would not hear the prayers of people who disregard the plight of the poor, this interpretation is inaccurate. God is not disinterested in us because of our shortcomings. However, how we treat others is one thing that He takes into consideration while deciding on how to respond. The author of Proverbs wishes to convey a simple yet deep message to his audience.

If they continued to ignore the screams of the destitute, they would cultivate a society in which it was simple to turn a blind eye to necessities.

13. Do not exploit the poor in court (Proverbs 22:22–23)

“The destitute will continue to cry out unanswered if those who block their ears to their cries do not also call out.” It’s easy to read this text and conclude that God does not heed the prayers of people who disregard the plight of the poor, but that is not how God operates. The fact that we have failed does not mean that God has turned his back on us. However, how we treat others is one component that He considers when deciding how to respond to our actions and inactions. A simple yet deep message is what the author of Proverbs wishes to convey.

Through their inaction, they would cultivate a society in which it would be simple to ignore the screams of the impoverished.

14. The righteous care about the poor (Proverbs 29:7)

“The pious are concerned about justice for the impoverished, while the wicked are unconcerned about such things.” At the end of the day, the law is summarized in our love for God and for one another.

This indicates that our righteousness is seen in our concern for others, particularly those who are in need of assistance. The wicked are worried about the destitute because their attention is only focused on their own personal goals.

15. God does not want hollow worship (Isaiah 58:6–10)

“That’s the sort of fasting it I’ve chosen: to loosen the chains of injustice and untangle the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke, isn’t that the kind of fasting I’ve chosen? Why not help the hungry by sharing your food with them, or to offer a safe haven for a destitute wanderer? Why not dress the naked when you see them, and resist the temptation to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” That is when your light will break forth like the morning sun, and your healing will come almost immediately.

Afterward, you’ll reach out to the Lord, and he’ll answer; you’ll cry out for rescue, and he’ll respond with: Here I am.” If you cast off the yoke of tyranny, with the pointing finger and spiteful discourse, and if you expend yourself on behalf of the hungry and supply the wants of the downtrodden, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday of your life.

-” God had to tell Israel on a number of occasions that He was not interested in rote practices.

That Israel would be a beacon to the nations was God’s intention from the beginning.

This is why He reminded them on a regular basis of their responsibilities for the defenseless and disadvantaged.

16. Proclaiming good news to the poor (Isaiah 61:1)

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor and the oppressed of the earth. The Lord has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives, and to bring those who are imprisoned out of the darkness.” Eventually, Jesus would take the stage in the synagogue and declare that these remarks were a prophesy concerning His own ministry, thereby kicking off His public ministry. Given how vital this task is to Jesus, we should not be surprised that He chose these words from the entire Old Testament.

17. Whatever you’ve done to the least of these (Matthew 25:40)

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,” the King will respond. An inspiring story about God’s judgment depicts individuals being divided according to their assistance to those who are most vulnerable, such as hungry, sick, and imprisoned. To everyone’s total amazement, Jesus relates so strongly with this most vulnerable of the weak that He conveys that by helping them, we are truly serving Him. Those who refused care for the poor will be judged for withholding it from Jesus, who will be judged for it.

18. Serving those who cannot repay (Luke 14:12–14)

“”When you throw a luncheon or supper, do not invite your friends, your brothers and sisters, relatives, or wealthy neighbors; if you do invite them, they may welcome you again, and you will be reimbursed,” Jesus instructed his host. Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and the lame and blind will be present at your dinner, and you will be blessed. You shall be reimbursed at the resurrection of the righteous despite the fact that they are unable to repay you.” It’s totally normal to do pleasant things for the people you care about or for those who may be able to reciprocate your kindness.

The beauty of this chapter is that He isn’t only asking His disciples to give them money or food; He is also asking them to pray for them.

Rather than simply celebrating them, Jesus is urging us to go the extra mile to involve them and to provide them with an evening they will not soon forget.

It’s quite simple to add a couple of additional dollars to the offering plate in the name of compassion. It’s one thing to make people on the outside feel welcome; it’s another to go out of your way to make them feel welcome.

19. Do not discriminate against the poor (James 2:2–4)

“Consider the following scenario: a wealthy gentleman enters your meeting sporting a gold ring and nice attire, and a poor man in dirty old clothes also enters. So, if you pay special attention to the man who is dressed well and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but tell the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor at my feet,” aren’t you discriminating among yourself and turning into bad judges?” What factors contribute to a person’s worth? We shouldn’t need any other criteria than the fact that they were formed in God’s image and are worthy of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to justify our efforts.

If a person has means, they should not be considered more deserving of respect or consideration than someone who is impoverished in God’s kingdom.

20. Responding to the needs of others (1 John 3:17–18)

“Anyone who possesses worldly goods and observes a brother or sister who is in need but shows no sympathy on them cannot claim to be filled with the love of God. Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but rather with deeds and in the spirit of truth.” In the words of Jesus, “life does not consist in an abundance of material goods” (Luke 12:15). We should never become so engrossed in our possessions that we are unwilling to share them with others who are in need. God has the ability to divide the riches of the world fairly, yet He chooses not to do so.

That is, He blesses some in order for them to be able to feel the delight of charity.

The items we withhold from people who are in need serve as a witness against ourselves.

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Loving God by loving others

These are only a handful of the scripture admonitions concerning the need of helping the poor. The most important message from this story is that God is personally invested in individuals whom society tries to overlook. When we identify and react to those who are on the periphery of society—the impoverished, the outsider, the foreigner, the imprisoned—we contribute to the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, according to Jesus. God does not turn a blind eye to those who are in need.

If He cares for the humble birds of the fields, it is safe to assume that He also cares for people that He made in His image (Matthew 6:26).

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are from the New International Version of the Bible.

5 Times Jesus Showed He Cares for the Poor

Jesus defied societal expectations in order to welcome those who had been pushed to the periphery of society.

Among such persons were those who were low-income. The Bible is jam-packed with scriptures that elaborate on God’s concern for the disadvantaged. Here are five instances in which Jesus shown concern for the poor:

1. The sheep and the goats

“When the Son of Man comes in all his glory and sits on his throne before all the nations,” Jesus says in a controversial parable, “he will separate the people one from another like a shepherd separates his sheep from his goats” (Matthew 25:32 NIV). The sheep are praised for their assistance to Jesus during his hour of need. They are perplexed and inquire of Jesus as to when they cared for him. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,” he says, painting a dramatic image of Jesus’ deep compassion for the poor: “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

What you did not do for one of the least of these, I will assure you, you did not do for me” (Matthew 25:45 NIV).

2. Jesus preached the good news to the poor

If you are the Messiah, or should we be expecting someone else, John the Baptist delivered a message to Jesus while he was imprisoned. (Matthew 11:2–3; Mark 10:2–3). Instead than providing a direct response, Jesus refers to the messianic signs and marvels that he has accomplished, including: “Return to John and tell him what you have heard and seen: the blind acquire sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are resurrected, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” ‘Blessed is the one who does not stumble because of my presence.’ (Matthew 11:4-6; Luke 11:4-6.) God’s plan for restoration through the Messiah included a provision for the impoverished as part of his overall plan.

3. The bleeding woman

In the eighth chapter of Luke, Jesus demonstrates compassion to a lady who has been impoverished due to sickness. She’s squandered everything she had on physicians who were unable to help her (Luke 8:43). Her illness had deprived her of her ability to earn a living and damaged her reputation. She touched Jesus’ garment out of despair, and he miraculously cured her. After she is healed, Jesus pauses what he is doing and brings everyone’s attention to her, allowing her the opportunity to share her miraculous healing with the rest of the congregation (Luke 8:47).

Her financial poverty was accompanied by an emotional and spiritual poverty as a result of having been declared unclean for such a long period of time.

In addition to their bodily needs, Jesus’ care for the impoverished extends to their spiritual well-being.

4. Parable of the Great Banquet

A famous Pharisee’s home is hosting a dinner party, and Jesus advises the host that when they hold banquets, they should invite the poor—people who are unable to reciprocate the favor by inviting them to a feast of their own (Luke 14:12–14). “A particular man was preparing a huge meal for which he had invited a large number of guests,” says Jesus, before telling the story of the Great Banquet. ‘Come, since everything is now ready,’ he told those who had been invited when the feast was scheduled to take place.

‘I have just purchased a field, and I need to go check it out,’ the first stated.

Please accept my apologies.” Another stated, “I recently got married, therefore I won’t be able to go.” The servant returned to his lord and informed him of the situation.

“ It was the servant who informed him that “everything you requested has been completed, but there is still room.” The lord then instructed his servant to “go out to the highways and country lanes and compel everyone to come in,” in order for his mansion to be fully occupied.

It is my pledge to you that not one of those who were invited will be served a bite of my meal.” 16–24 (Luke 14:16–24) The destitute, as well as other social misfits, are invited to the kingdom of God, according to Jesus.

5. Blessed are you who are poor

Throughout Luke 6, Jesus declares, “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.” It is his promise to the impoverished that they would inherit something far better than any of the wealth this world has to offer. Luke 6:21–22 continues by stating that those who are suffering today will not suffer in the kingdom of God. When Jesus tells the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19–31), he is reiterating this lesson for us. A poor, ill man is passed by by a rich man at the city gates, and he narrates the account of this passing by in this parable.

‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you had your good things while Lazarus received his terrible things, but now he is comforted here while you are in torment,’ Abraham says to the rich man, who begs for compassion from Abraham.

Show people what Jesus said about the poor

Jesus had a lot to say about how we treat individuals who live in poverty, as well as what God thinks about those who are poor in his teachings. Please share this piece with your church or small group in order to spark a discussion on how Christians today might follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

The Poor You Will Always Have With You—What Did Jesus Mean?

Have you ever met or worked with someone who was genuinely concerned about poverty? Is this the type of person that goes on short-term mission trips, makes charitable contributions to aid the impoverished, and appears to really think that poverty can be overcome? You could have questioned whether or not that individual was truly thinking clearly. As Jesus himself pointed out in Matthew 25, “The poor you will always have with you” (Matthew 26:11). But what exactly did Jesus intend by that? When it comes to religious verses, what is the actual meaning of the phrase “you will always have with you”?

Spending your money on it is a waste of time.

Another Point of View

Was Jesus truly implying that alleviating poverty is a pointless endeavor? Examine the paragraph in order to figure out what I mean. An alabaster container of extremely expensive perfume was brought to Jesus’ attention when he was in the home of Simon the Leper, and she lavished it on his head as he was reclined at the table. When the disciples realized what had happened, they were furious. “What is the point of this waste?” they inquired. It was possible that this perfume could have been sold for a great price and the proceeds donated to the destitute.

She has done something very wonderful for me.

When she put this perfume on my body, she was preparing me for burial, which is why she did it.

—Matthew 26:6–13, New International Version What did Jesus mean when He stated, “The poor you will always have with you?” Did He indicate that His disciples shouldn’t have any concern for the destitute?

In other words, is trying to tackle severe poverty a waste of time and effort for him? Taking a close look at this passage in its whole provides a few interesting ideas. A jug is being carried by a Bangladeshi woman.

1. First, “The poor you will always have with you” is only half of the sentence.

“However, you will not always have me,” says the rest of the passage. During Jesus’ direct address to the disciples, he made specific reference to their own lifetimes. It goes without saying that the disciples and all of Jesus’ followers will always have him! In reality, following His resurrection, Jesus said, “And definitely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (John 14:6). (Matthew 28:20). It is undeniable that when Jesus remarked, “You will not always have me,” he was predicting the fact that He would be killed the very next day.

However, it is also a demonstration of the truth that Jesus comes first in our life above all other people and beyond whatever “good acts” we perform, even in His name!

2. Next, it’s important to note that Jesus was quoting from Scripture.

It’s likely that His audience, the disciples, were already familiar with the verse from Deuteronomy and consequently had the rest of the verse in mind when He began to quote it. It is certain that there will always be impoverished people in the nation. As a result, I command you to be kind toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and in need in your land. —Deuteronomy 15:11 (Deuteronomy 15:11 When faced with poverty, the biblical solution is to give generously. Certainly, the continuation of poverty is not an excuse for turning a blind eye to the misery of the poor, but rather for reaching out to them with kindness.

3. We know fromJohn’s accountof this scene that Judas Iscariot was the disciple who questioned why the perfume was not sold and the proceeds given to the poor.

Judas would leave immediately following this event in order to betray Jesus. Judas was attempting to discover grounds for criticism of Jesus while also diverting attention away from a rich act of love he had performed for the Savior. Jesus was refuting the notion that any act of love for Jesus is ever in vain or in vain. He went so far as to declare it “a lovely thing!” Were we to fulfill the various mandates of Scripture to care for those in poverty, form connections with them, and devote our time to serving others, would we be surprised if He also described these actions as “a lovely thing?” A woman is seen carrying a jug.

Good News About the Poor

The really good news regarding poverty is that it is on the decline, particularly in its severe form. The transformation of communities from poverty to plenty occurs on a daily basis at Food for the Hungry, where we witness it firsthand. We think that this endeavor is a symbol of God’s Kingdom coming to earth. It’s all part of His plan for the humans He created and cherishes so much, says the Bible. In reality, poverty can be carried down from generation to generation with a horrible amount of perseverance.

It is NOT true, however, that those who live in poverty are unable to leave their circumstances or that God want them to remain in poverty. The Bible is replete with promises that the poor may enjoy an abundant life today, including the ability to rise out of their plight.

What’s Your Alabaster Jar?

Exactly as Jesus promised, the lady who anointed Jesus continues to educate us to this very day. Her example pushes us to offer our absolute best to God, regardless of how others may perceive us to be doing so. God may be calling you to offer Him your very best today in some way. The Harvest is Abundant, but the Workers Are Few—Continue reading. What exactly is it about? What James 1 Teaches Us About God’s Story We’re Called to Live Out God’s Story According to What James 1 Teaches Us: Learn to Serve Like Jesus by following these steps.

What Does the Bible Say About Poverty?

In order to understand God’s heart, his will, and our mission as Christians, we must turn to the Bible, which is the only authorized source. This is also true in terms of how God wants us to help the poor and those who are suffering from poverty. “We follow Jesus,” says our primary value at Food for the Hungry International. In our thoughts, words, and acts, we represent Jesus as his ambassadors. What does the Bible have to say about poverty, then? What is the biblical mandate for Christians to care for the poor?

A “SparkNotes” version of a collection of Bible passages that shape our work and tell us what the Bible has to say about poverty is provided here for your convenience.

Bible Verses of Encouragement for the Poor

The Bible makes it quite plain that people who are poor are near to God’s heart. When Jesus came to earth, he gave up his heavenly treasures and was born into a life of extreme poverty. The impoverished are constantly referred to as “fortunate,” and we are taught to place a higher emphasis on integrity than wealth. God has not forgotten about the poor, and he instead calls on all believers to join him in his restorative effort to restore hope and opportunity to those who are in need. “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters:Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him?” “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him?” —James 2:5 (New International Version) Psalm 14:6 (KJV) Even though you put the poor’s schemes in disgrace, the Lord will be their refuge.

  • Proverbs 19:1 is a verse from the book of Proverbs.
  • Psalm 72:12-14 (King James Version) Because he comes to the aid of people in need when they call, including the destitute and those without a caregiver.
  • They are saved from injustice and violence by his grace, and their blood is considered valuable in his eyes.
  • Proverbs 22:2 (NIV) The rich and the poor come together, and the Lord is the one who created them all.

Matthew 5:1-3 (KJV) When he saw the throng, he climbed up the mountain and sat down, and as soon as he did, his followers came to him. And he taught them by opening his lips and saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Bible Verses About God’s Justice for the Poor

When Larry Ward, the founder of Food for the Hungry, was inspired to create the organization, he read the following lines from Psalm 146. Clearly, poverty is a product of the brokenness that exists in our society, but the Bible promises that God will deliver justice to those who are oppressed in due course. Whose assistance comes from the God of Jacob, whose trust is in the Lord their God, are those who are blessed. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them, and he has remained loyal throughout all of time.

  1. TheLord releases those who have been imprisoned.
  2. Deuteronomy 26:6-9 is a passage from the Old Testament.
  3. As a result, we cried out to the Lord, the God of our forefathers, and the Lord heard our cries and saw our affliction, labor, and oppression, which he relieved.
  4. Our ancestors transported us to this location and gifted us with this land, which was rich in milk and honey.
See also:  What Happened To Jesus After He Died

Download the free eBook,Is it Possible to End Poverty?to get 10 creative ideas for how to follow the Bible’s call to help the poor. You can also find other free devotionals and resourceshere.

Psalm 140:12 (KJV) I am certain that the Lord will uphold the cause of the oppressed and will bring about justice for the poor and needy. Luke 4:16-19Jesus returned to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and on the Sabbath, as was his usual, he went to the synagogue to pray. He rose to his feet to read, and a scroll with the words of the prophet Isaiah was delivered to him. Then he read what was written on it: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to those who are poor.” In order to declare release for prisoners and sight restoration for blind people, to set free the downtrodden and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, he has appointed me as his representative.

on the job He protects the helpless from the sword in their mouths, and he saves them from the hands of the wealthy and influential.

1 Samuel 2:8 (NIV) He exalts the downtrodden and exalts the needy from the ash heap, elevating them to the level of royalty and granting them the right to inherit a seat of dignity.

Bible Verses About Laws Regarding the Poor

God provides a series of unique regulations in the Old Testament in the book of Leviticus that demonstrate how he established systems to care for the destitute and the alien. Others who possessed property were instructed to leave the boundaries of their fields uncultivated so that those on the periphery of society may reap the benefits. The Israelites also honored God’s rules by canceling any outstanding debts every seventh year, at the “year of Jubilee,” in order to avoid falling into a state of crushing poverty.

Take a look at what the Bible has to say about poverty and how God established laws and structures to assist the poor and underprivileged.

And you are not permitted to slash and burn your vineyard, nor are you permitted to collect the grapes that have fallen from your vineyard.

In Leviticus 19:9-10, the Bible says Verse 34 of Leviticus 19 is a good example of a formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formal The foreigner who has taken up residence among you must be treated as if he or she were one of your own.

Because you were foreigners in Egypt, you needed to love them as much as you did yourselves.

Deuteronomy 15:1–5 (Deuteronomy 15:1–5) At the conclusion of every seven years, you must pay off all of your outstanding debt.

They are not permitted to demand payment from anybody inside their own ranks since the Lord’s time for debt cancellation has been declared.

Leviticus 25:35 is a passage from the Old Testament. If your brother becomes impoverished and unable to sustain himself with you, you are required to assist him as if he were a foreigner and a sojourner, and he is required to live with you.

Bible Verses About Defending the Rights of the Poor

The Bible makes it abundantly clear that one aspect of poverty is the oppression that vulnerable communities are subjected to. Every time God demonstrates his justice by commanding his people to defend the oppressed, his people respond in kind. The Bible encourages us to express ourselves. This is why FH engages community leaders and uses advocacy as a means of effecting change in the world. We walk alongside public servants in order to make our voices heard on issues such as legislation, policies, systems, and attitudes that have an impact on global poverty.

  • We will not rest until God’s purpose is clearly visible in each and every person we serve.
  • Make a stand on behalf of the fatherless, and make a persuasive argument on behalf of the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17 (New International Version) Proverbs 31:8-9 is a verse from the Bible.
  • Speak out and make fair decisions; protect the rights of the poor and the needy.
  • Jeremiah 22:3 (NIV) According to the Word of the Lord, do what is just and right.
  • It is forbidden to cause harm or violence to foreigners, fatherless children, or widows, and it is also forbidden to shed innocent blood in this place.
  • Zechariah 7:10 Do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.

Bible Verses About Helping the Poor

Poverty is complicated and ever changing, but how does God tell us to assist people who are poor? As a starting point, the Bible encourages us to contribute liberally and to “extend a helping hand to your neighbor.” He wants us to give with kindness and joy in our hearts, whether it’s through a one-time donation or through sponsoring a kid in need. The most essential thing is that we act as though we had an excess of blessing in our own life! In the eyes of God the Father, true and pure religion consists in providing for the needs of orphans and widows in their suffering and refusing to let the world to corrupt you.

  1. Sell your belongings and donate the proceeds to others in need.
  2. Because where your wealth is, there will be a place for your heart as well.
  3. Deuteronomy 15:11 (Deuteronomy 15:11) There will never be a day when there are no impoverished people in the nation.
  4. Proverbs 3:27-28 is a biblical passage.

When you have anything in your possession, do not tell your neighbor, “Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give it.” 1 John 3:17 (New International Version) When someone possesses the world’s wealth and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how can God’s love dwell in him?

This is the question. Proverbs 14:21 is a verse that says Those who hate their neighbors are sinners, while those who are kind to the needy are blessed.

How to Help

What the Bible has to say about poverty is a sobering read! Join Food for the Hungry in its mission to alleviate all kinds of human poverty around the world through the love of Jesus Christ by donating now. By sponsoring a kid or donating the gift of a Bible or children’s Bible, you may play a role in making a lasting difference in the lives of children all over the globe. Will you be one of our guests? Continue reading this article: Picture Takers (also known as Image Bearers): Those that live in poverty are no different from us.

What Jesus Really Said about Poverty

By John Barry, the founder and CEO of Jesus’ Economy God took on the form of a poor man, lived as a poor man, and died as a poor man in the person of Jesus. He brings good news to the underprivileged. As a result, Jesus was extremely concerned about the plight of the poor. Being True to Our Beliefs It is just as essential to Jesus as what we believe in terms of what we do with our beliefs. Jesus is about making a complete and whole commitment to love him and other people. As Jesus told a wealthy young man in Matthew 19:21, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell all you have and give to the needy, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (see also 19:16–30 ESV), he adores deeds motivated by faith.

  • “Truly, I say to you, a rich person will have difficulties entering the kingdom of heaven!” says Jesus at this point in the story.
  • Afterwards, Jesus’ followers inquire, “Then who may be saved?” Then Jesus looks them in the eyes and says, “With human beings, this is impossible; however, with God, anything is possible” (Matthew 19:25-26).
  • And, in order for God to enter a person’s life, they must be willing to allow Him to do so.
  • Our devotion to Jesus comes out of one side of our mouths, while our allegiance to material possessions comes out of the other side.
  • Take a look at the circumstances that led up to Jesus making his comment regarding the wealthy: Then someone approached him and said, ‘Teacher, what good act must I do in order to obtain eternal life?'” I asked him, “Why are you asking me about what is good?” he responded.
  • But if you want to be accepted into life, you must follow the commandments!’ ‘Which ones,’ he inquired of the man.
  • ‘All of these things have been noticed by me,’ the young guy informed him.

(19:16–21; Matthew 19:16–21).

He doesn’t inquire as to how he may follow Jesus, what it means to be a disciple, or what good deed he can do for the world on God’s behalf.

Isn’t it the question that many of us are asking God right now, if we’re being completely honest with ourselves?

God’s greatest gift is eternal life (salvation), yet it is intended to be a gift that motivates people to take action.

“Which?” I inquired, when confronted with the truth of the affluent young man’s narrative.

In his response, Jesus informs the man that he is lacking in self-sacrifice for others—that he is lacking in giving to the point where it is painful for him.

Wealth is intended to be used to benefit others, plain and simple (seeGenesis 12:1-3for an example).

But instead of being afraid, fretting, or worrying, pray.

What Jesus Would Have to Say to Us Right Now Simply put, when we apply Jesus’ words today, they look like withdrawing from any relationship, occupation, event, or item that stands between you and following Jesus—providing, of course, that you may do so while still keeping the commandments—and then following Jesus.

To join Jesus in His ministry, we must believe in it with all of our hearts and minds, just as he has.

Possessing Jesus’ money and “owning” the problems of poverty There is a difference between the currency of Jesus’ kingdom and the currency of ours.

For Jesus, belief and action are inseparable—you cannot have one without the other in order to be saved.

Many of them have been spawned by our inactivity.

But we may also join Jesus in his efforts to improve the status of our planet.

After all, this is exactly what Christ commanded us to do.

What good is faith if it doesn’t bring sincere hope to the table?

We are invited to lay down our lives for Him—what is it that He is calling you to lay down for Him?

It is his imagination that imagines what the world could be like, and it is his invitation to us to join God in the process of making that vision a reality.

An adapted/modified version of this article was initially published by “onfaith”/”faith street” as “Five Sayings of the Homeless Jesus,” and it has since been republished by other publications.

Jesus’ Economy, founded by John D.

A fair trade shop is available online through Jesus’ Economy, in keeping with John’s view that commerce can help people better their lives.

He is presently in charge of the Jesus’ Economy activities in Bihar, India, which is one of the world’s most destitute regions, where few people have even heard of the name of Jesus.

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