What Did Jesus Say About Money

What Did Jesus Actually Have to Say about Money?

Mr. Roger S. OldhamSouthern Baptist Convention
6th of February, 2019.

Jesus had a lot to say about money, whether it was Roman coinage or today’s dollars and cents – or any other currency for that matter.

Affirmatively.

Jesus taught that one lawful use of money is to assist the Lord’s work, which is carried out through the religious organizations founded by the Lord himself (Matthew 23:23;Mark 12:41-44;Luke 8:1-3). As said in the Old Testament, there was also a temple; in Jesus’ day, there was also a temple; and in our day, there is a local congregation of believers called the local church. Malachi 2 and 3; Mark 11:15-18) or, in our day, whether or not we like the pastor, the LORD’s demand to bring the tithes and sacrifices was not contingent on how holy the priests were (Malachi 2 and 3; Mark 11:15-18).

God is well-versed in dealing with wayward priests (1 Samuel 2:12-36; 3:13; 4:11-18).

Caesar was the emperor of a repressive dictatorship; nonetheless, his followers, both then and now, were obligated to show reverence to the reigning authority in subjects that did not conflict with our Christian obligation to be witnesses for Christ in the world (compareActs 4:18-19andRomans 13:1-8).

(Luke 8:1-3; 10:1-9).

1 Timothy 5:8 and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 are examples of such passages.

It is permissible, and even required by the Lord, for us to spend our resources for long-term benefit and/or financial stability, as Jesus taught, notably via his numerous illustrations of stewards (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1-13) and farming (Matthew 13:8, 23; John 4:34-38).

Negatively.

Jesus taught that we should not rely on our own resources, but rather on God as the source of our provision, putting our faith in him to provide for our basic family need (Matthew 6:9-13, 19-34; Luke 12:22-34). Jesus taught that, because we are only stewards of God’s resources, we should spend ourselves in the lives of others rather than hoarding them for ourselves (Matthew 25:34-40; Luke 6:30-38; 10:25-37; 12:15-21). According to Jesus’ teachings, we should not use our financial position to lord it over others, either via hubris or forceful manipulation (Matthew 18:23-34; Luke 7:40-43; 20:9-16).

Former Vice President for Convention Communications and Relations with the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, Roger S.

Oldham, is now the Executive Committee’s vice president. Get the latest Baptist Press headlines and breaking news sent to your inbox through Twitter, Facebook, and email. Photograph courtesy of Baptist Press. With permission, this image has been used. Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/Abigail Low

5 Things Jesus said about money

Blog about the Bible Money is a kind of control. Furthermore, that authority influences some of our most fundamental, daily interactions—from purchasing food to paying for a college degree. It has the potential to be utilized for good, to benefit people and create beautiful things. However, it may also be utilized to cause significant harm. Jesus spoke about the effects of money on individuals and how to use money for the benefit of others in his sermons. In his earthly ministry, the following are five things Jesus had to say regarding money.

If someone approaches you and asks for anything, give it to them. When they come to you for money, give it to them.”” Matthew 5:42 (CEV) Continue reading “As Jesus sat in a pew near the Temple treasury, he observed the people as they deposited their money into the treasury.” Many wealthy individuals contributed large sums of money
However, a poor widow sent two little copper coins, each of which was worth around a cent. He gathered his followers around him and told them, “I tell you that this poor widow deposited more money in the offering box than all of the others together.” For while the others contributed what they could spare from their wealth, she, despite her poverty, contributed everything she had—she donated everything she had to survive on.” -Matthew 12:41-44
(GNTD) ‘What about us?’ other troops said. Read on for more information. ‘What are we supposed to do?’ In his words to them, ‘Do not take money from anybody by force, and do not unjustly accuse anyone.’ Keep your head down and accept your wage.” Further reading: “Do not store up treasures for yourself on earth, where moths and rust ruin, and thieves break in and steal.” -Luke 3:14 (GNTD) Instead, store up treasures for yourself in heaven, where moths and rust will not damage them and robbers will not be able to enter and take them. Because “where your heart is, is where your riches will always be.” In Matthew 6:19-21, the Bible says, “No servant can be the slave of two masters
Such a slave will hate one and love the other, or will be faithful to one and despise the other.” Read more. “You cannot serve both God and money at the same time.” In Luke 16:13, the Bible says (GNTD) More information may be found here.

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Why Does Jesus Talk about Money so Often?

The amount of time Jesus spends talking about money is almost disturbing. He spoke about money far more frequently than he spoke about religion and prayer combined, according to the data. Jesus taught mostly via parables, and 11 of His 40 parables dealt with money or utilized money as a means of imparting spiritual truths to his listeners. For example, in the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl, the kingdom of heaven is compared to material wealth. Another narrative is told in The Parable of The Talents.

Jesus points out a profound everlasting reversal in the tale of the rich man and Lazarus, in which those who are most comfortable on earth find themselves at the back of the line.

The truth money tells

One of the most distressing qualities of fallen humanity is our proclivity to separate what we believe from what we practice in our everyday lives. This disconnect between what we declare and what we do is addressed by Christ in the verses that follow: “These people respect me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from me” (Matthew 15:8). Throughout the Gospels, Jesus used money as a weapon to expose our actual values and to bring them to light. When you stop to think about it, our bank statement is an honest reflection of what is truly essential to us.

But store up riches for yourself in heaven, where moths and vermin will not damage them and thieves will not break in and take them away.

His point is that if we genuinely think that life is everlasting, we will not devote all of our time and resources to acquiring stuff and engaging in activities that will eventually become obsolete.

Money, in the eyes of Jesus, nearly functions as a competing deity who challenges our loyalty (Matthew 6:24). The fact is that the deity that money lures us to worship is truly us, as we indulge in our own comfort and pleasure when we earn money.

Money and salvation

Two tales from the Gospels demonstrate the delicate link that exists between religion and money. In Luke 19, we encounter Zacchaeus, a tax collector who has amassed a substantial fortune by defrauding his fellow Jews of their taxes. In the aftermath of his brief encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus makes the following commitment: “Take a look, Lord! I am donating half of my assets to the needy right now, and if I have defrauded anybody of anything, I will repay them four times the amount that was defrauded ” (Luke 19:8b).

He prostrates himself at Jesus’ feet, pleading for him to tell him what he must do to receive eternal life.
And the man convinces the Lord that he has done so successfully.
Go, sell whatever you own, and give the proceeds to the poor, and you will have a treasure trove waiting for you in paradise.
(Mark 10:21).
Zacchaeus’ reaction to Jesus has an immediate influence on his financial situation.
Nevertheless, when a wealthy young man comes to Jesus in search of eternal life, he realizes that money has become a barrier between himself and God.

So why does Jesus care about my money?

The idea that God created everything and that everything ultimately belongs to Him is at the foundation of the Christian faith. Human beings exist to serve as stewards (or managers) of God’s resources, which includes the resources we have in our possession. Stewardship is not only one facet of the Christian life; rather, it is the entire Christian life in its entirety. In the case of many of us, the battle to align ourselves with God’s plan has shown itself in the area of our money. For many, this is the point at which the real struggle begins.

This is why Jesus speaks of money.

What Jesus said about money

Jesus has provided us with a plethora of guidelines on how to handle our financial resources through the written word. Many people find money to be a sensitive issue. Although it is a little point, it is an essential one to consider. This is why Jesus made it a point to speak about it frequently.

Three things Jesus stated about money that you might find shocking are among the many things He spoke about money throughout his teachings on the subject. Take a look at the following points and see if any of them strike a chord with you.

1. Jesus said our Money is a Test.

The first shocking thing Jesus has to say regarding money is the following one. In most cases, when we get our paycheck, we don’t see it as a sign from God that we’ve failed some sort of test. However, there is evidence to support this. It is possible to read more about Luke 16:11 by visiting this link. If you are unable to handle worldly prosperity, there is no reason for Christ to place his faith in you with genuine riches. So, if you haven’t proven yourself trustworthy when it comes to handling worldly money, who will put their faith in you when it comes to handling genuine riches?

As a result of this story, we learn that being a competent manager of your funds is a good indicator of what he can put his faith in you with.
He assigns a certain amount of money to each of his employees.
He bestowed three skills on another employee.
After he has given them the money, he departs for a period of time.
Eventually, the manager returns and requests a report on what everyone has done with their abilities.
Ironically, the employee who just possessed a single skill ended up burying that skill as well.
The management was really dissatisfied with this outcome.
To others, this may appear to be a form of retribution towards the individual who has only a single gift.
Because the employee who quadrupled their money had demonstrated their ability, it was only natural for the boss to offer him additional responsibility.
Just as we wouldn’t give a hammer to a child, God will not give us anything that could cause us harm until we have shown to him that we are capable of handling the situation.

2. Jesus Said We Should Pay Taxes.

Another extremely surprise thing that Jesus has to say about money has to do with taxes, which is a good thing to know. Yes, believe it or not, Jesus addressed the topic of paying taxes (to a government that was far more corrupt than most of us can fathom) on a number of occasions during his ministry. Have a look at verses such as Matthew 17:27 for example. However, in order to avoid offending anyone, please go to the lake and toss your line out. If you take the first fish you catch and open its mouth, you will discover a coin worth four drachmas.

Mathew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Matthew 17:27 (Mat You just cannot make up stories like these.

So, what are your thoughts on the matter?

Because he was aware of their wicked aim, Jesus said, “You hypocrites, why are you attempting to trap me?” “Please show me the currency that was used to pay the tax.” They presented him with a denarius, and he inquired as to “Whose picture is this?

As much as most of us would prefer not to pay taxes and as much as we could have a Biblical case for not doing so, there is no way around the fact that Jesus was plainly in favor of paying taxes.

3. Jesus Basically Said We Should Budget Our Money.

The third thing that is quite shocking about Jesus and his attitude toward our financial situation is that he believes we should budget our money for the future. Jesus informs us of the following in Luke 14:28-30: Consider the following scenario: one of you wishes to construct a skyscraper. What about taking a few minutes to assess the cost to determine whether or not you have the funds to accomplish it? As an example, if you lay the foundation but are unable to complete the project, everyone who sees it will make fun of you, saying, ‘This guy started building but was unable to complete it.’ Luke 14:28-30 (KJV) This is not a situation in which God would like his children to find themselves.

God genuinely wants the best for us and our future.

This article was inspired by a recent video we made on our YouTube channel – check it out below if you prefer to watch videos instead of reading!

Now it’s your turn

In the Bible, Jesus talked a lot about money, and these were only three of the things that jumped out to me. What more items would you want to see on this list? Please let me know in the comments section below! As a Certified Educator in Personal Finance, Bob Lotich has more than a decade of experience writing about Biblical personal finance. He is the best-selling author of four books, including Managing Money God’s Way, and has been recognized as one of the top 20 social influencers in personal finance by Forbes magazine.

Because of his passion for unearthing financial wisdom in the Bible, as well as for identifying the greatest tools and tactics to help you put more money in your pocket, he has been working as a full-time writer since 2008.

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This article provides a concise summary of what the Bible teaches about money, wealth, riches, and affluence.

The Bible Does not Promise Wealth

There is no guarantee in the Bible that becoming a Christian would result in a good career, prosperity, or freedom from debt, among other things. According to one passage: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version) This poem was written expressly for the Israelite exiles in Babylon, according to the context. Peace, wholeness, safety, health, contentment, and blessings are all possible meanings for the original Hebrew word translated as “prosperity.” It does not indicate a high level of financial success.

It is their intention to benefit you rather than to harm you, and to provide you a future and a sense of hope.

(Jeremiah 29:11, New Living Translation) God’s devoted people may come from affluent or impoverished backgrounds (2 Chronicles 17:3-5, Job 1:1-3, Matthew27:57, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 16:19-22, 19:2-9, Proverbs 22:2, Luke 6:20).

Wealth Is not a Sign of God’s Favor

The prevailing idea at the time of Jesus’ birth was that enormous riches was a sign of God’s favor, whereas poverty was considered God’s punishment for sin. Some Old Testament scriptures do express the concept that poverty is a natural result of one’s deeds, which is contrary to popular belief (Proverbs 6:9-11, 20:13, 23:21). Jesus, on the other hand, rejected the notions that money is a sign of God’s favor or that poverty is a penalty for sin. In His Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, this is demonstrated the most clearly (Luke 16:19-31).

The fact that he possessed such money was plainly not a sign of God’s favor.

His poverty was, without a doubt, not a reflection of his depravity or folly.

This notion is frequently used to excuse a harsh attitude toward those who are poor.

Wealth Is a Gift from God to Be Used in His Service

Jesus viewed money as a gift from God that should be put to good use in His service (Matthew 25:14-30). When one is endowed with riches, he or she is required to give freely with the needy (Matthew 25:31-46), and to avoid the sins of arrogance (1 Timothy 6:17-19), dishonesty (Exodus 20:15, Mark 10:19, Luke 3:12-14), and greed (Matthew 25:31-46). (Luke 12:13-21). It is our job, as those of us who have been endowed with money beyond our immediate needs, to distribute this wealth generously to others who are less fortunate.

So how can someone who possesses worldly goods and observes his or her brother or sister in need but shows no compassion for them be filled with God’s love?

Instruct them to do good, to be wealthy in good acts, to be kind and eager to share, and to be generous and willing to share.

(1 Timothy 6:17-19, New International Version) Articles that are related: In What Ways Does the Bible Teach Us to Be Generous and Do Our Duty to the Poor?

Wealth Is Dangerous

Afterwards, Jesus took a look around and told his followers, “How difficult it will be for people who have money to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were confused by what Jesus had just spoken. But Jesus reminded them once again, saying, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! As Jesus said, “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” They were stunned and said out, “Then who can be saved?” they thought to themselves.

Dedication to accumulating riches, on the other hand, is incompatible with devotion to God’s will.
“You cannot serve both God and money at the same time.” (New Living Translation, Luke 16:13) The desire for riches and material belongings may lead us into a variety of sinful temptations.
It is possible that we will take unfair advantage of our consumers, employers, and employees.
We might wind up being stingy, resentful, and alienated as a result of this process.
If you only give riches a passing glance, they will go as quickly as they appeared, sprouting wings and flying to the skies like an eagle.
Or, rather, what can a man provide in return for his soul?
The need for money is at the foundation of all forms of wrongdoing.
“Do not store up riches for yourself on earth, where moth and rust ruin, and where thieves break in and steal,” says the New International Version of 1 Timothy 6:9-11.

Because where your wealth is, there will be a place for your heart as well. Matthew 6:19-21 (New International Version) Matthew 13:22, Luke 12:15, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 5:1-5 are all scriptures that are related.

Avoid Dishonesty

The justifications necessary to achieve and maintain dishonest gain can cause a person to become cold, cynical, and estranged from their Creator. It may be taking unfair advantage of others or misrepresenting the facts to employers, workers, customers, clients, or colleagues, among other things. Stealing, fraud, exaggerating insurance claims, cheating on taxes, “pirating” music and movies, wilful nonpayment of obligations, or any other type of dishonesty for personal benefit are all examples of unethical behavior.

‘ You shall not mistreat your neighbor, nor shall you deprive him of his property.
Leviticus 19:13 (New American Standard) He despises dishonest scales, but he delights in precise weights, according to the Bible.
His needs will be met, and he will not go without food and water.
You pay taxes for the same reason, since the authorities are God’s servants, and they are occupied with precisely this task.
(New Revised Standard Version, Romans 13:1, 6-7) Verses that are related include Exodus 20:15, Leviticus 19:35-36, Proverbs 21:6, Amos 8:4-8, Micah 6:10-13, Mark 10:19, and Luke 3:12-14.
Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Hebrew (Old Testament), Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.
Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Hebrew (Old Testament), Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

5 Unsettling Things Jesus Said about Money

The Messiah’s mission produced tremors across the entire city of Jerusalem. Jesus called into question people’s preconceived notions about religion, God, morality, and interpersonal relationships. One of the most disturbing topics he frequently discussed with first-century audiences was the matter of their property and financial situation. It was a tough subject for them to discuss, and it is a one with which we continue to battle today. If we place our confidence and security in anything other than God, we are subject to the deceptions of money.

Here are five disturbing things Jesus said about money that you should consider:

1. Give to the one who asks of you.

“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who begs to borrow from you.” “Give to the one who asks you,” says the Bible. — Matthew 5:42 (New International Version) The following are the reasons why it is unsettling: There is no complexity in this statement, as there is in many of Jesus’ statements. In order to dismantle the arguments that individuals can use to justify their own selfishness, Jesus delivers a speech that appears to be exaggerated. After all, how could we possibly provide to everyone who comes to us with a request?

When presented with a need or a request for financial assistance, followers of Jesus are now confronted with a very clear and powerful expectation, making it much more difficult to disregard the needs of others in the present day.

2. Don’t make a show of your giving.

The Torah teaches us that when we donate to the poor and needy, we should not make a trumpet sound before us in order to be applauded by others, as hypocrites do in synagogues and on the streets. “Truly, I say to you, they have received their just compensation. ” — Matthew 6:2 (NASB) The following are the reasons why it is unsettling: It appears that donating in secret would be simple, but it is not the case. Every one of us has been perverted by the need to be regarded favorably by others. Giving our resources to people in need without fanfare entails two sacrifices: the cash sacrifice and the loss of the eventual acclaim that comes as a result of it.

Genuine trust is required in order to pick the later option.

3. Store up treasures in heaven.

“Do not store up treasures for yourself on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; instead, store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” After all, “where your fortune is, there is also where your heart will be.” — Matthew 6:19–21 (New International Version) The following are the reasons why it is unsettling: This is a completely different way of thinking about our resources, to put it mildly.

The treasure that has been set up for us on this planet signifies stability and safety.

It is a significant implication that how we spend our wealth has an impact on how we feel about ourselves.

As we build up the faith to give more freely, we become more spiritually inclined as a result of our efforts.

4. Worrying about money can strangle your spirituality.

“And he spoke to them in parables, telling them things like: ‘A sower went forth to sow.’ Another type of seed dropped among thorns, and the thorns grew up and strangled the other seeds.” — Matthew 13:3, 7, and others “Therefore, listen to the parable of the sower: As for the seed that was sow amid thorns, this is the one who hears the word; nevertheless, the concerns of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” Matthew 13:18, verses 22 The following are the reasons why it is unsettling: Throughout Christ’s public ministry, he cautioned his followers about accumulating money.

It was far more difficult for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than it was for them to enter the kingdom of God, according to Jesus (Matthew 19:24).

This is not due to the fact that success is inherently terrible; rather, it is due to the fact that it is deceptive in nature. In the parable of the soils, Jesus identifies three ways in which individuals are endangering the gospel:

Those who have the word taken away from them before it has a chance to take root by the enemy
Those who do not have the strength to persevere in the face of adversity
They are those whose faith has been suffocated by the deceitfulness of money and worldly concerns

Who have had their word taken away from them by the enemy before it had a chance to take hold. The lack of faith in those who are unable to persevere in the face of adversity Those whose religion has been suffocated by the deception of money and worldly concerns;

5. Wealth’s security can blind us to our real needs.

‘For you claim, ‘I am rich, I have thrived, and I want nothing,’ while failing to see that you are miserable, pitiable, impoverished, blind, and naked.’ — The Book of Revelation 3:17 The following are the reasons why it is unsettling: Wealth has the potential to deprive us of our ability to recognize our true needs. Many of life’s disappointments and problems can be alleviated if we have access to sufficient monetary resources. This is not always a negative thing, unless it causes us to lose sight of our genuine state of affairs.

Importantly, it is important to note that the deceitfulness of money does not simply apply to people; it also has ramifications for corporations.

This should cause us all to take a deep breath.

Money is not neutral.

There is no doubt that money has the ability to provide value to God’s kingdom. When placed in the hands of the faithful, wealth may be a tremendous asset. However, we must also be aware of the hazards that may arise. If we place our confidence and security in anything other than God, we are subject to the deceptions of money. God is concerned about our financial well-being and the manner in which we manage our resources. You may learn more about prudent money management and Christian stewardship by reading CDF Capital’s selection of twenty Bible scriptures on money and stewardship.

7 Things Jesus Said About Money

There’s no doubting that Jesus considered money to be extremely important. It was one of his favorite themes, second only to the kingdom of God in terms of importance. Knowing what Jesus has to say about money might help us make better decisions about what we put in (or don’t put in) our wallets and what we use it for in our lives. Seven of the most challenging things Jesus said concerning money are summarized below:

1 //No one can serve two masters

“No one can serve two masters at the same time. Or he will be adored by either of them while despising the other. It is impossible to predict which will be the case. “You cannot serve both God and money at the same time.” | Matthew 6:24 (New International Version)

2 //For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

The kingdom has been given to you because your Father is happy to do so, so do not be afraid, little sheep.” Sell your stuff and donate the proceeds to the destitute. Preparation: Make purses for yourself that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be depleted, a place where no thief will get close and no moth will destroy After all, “where your fortune is, there is also where your heart will be.” | Luke 12:32-34 (King James Version)

3 //ENTERING THE KINGDOM OF GOD

“Children, you have no idea how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!

When a camel goes through the eye of a needle, it is much simpler than when a rich person attempts to enter the kingdom of God,” Jesus said. The book of Mark 10:24a-26a

4 //A SEED FALLING ON GOOD SOIL

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The image of a seed falling on rocky ground represents someone who hears the word and immediately responds with joy to it. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

This is the one who produces a crop that yields a hundred, sixty, or thirty times the amount of seed originally planted.” |

Matthew 13:18-23

5 //Be on your guard against all kinds of greed

“Someone in the audience approached him and pleaded, “Teacher, please tell my brother to split the inheritance with me.” “Man, who appointed me to be a judge or an arbitrator between you?” Jesus said. Then he warned them, saying, “Be careful! Keep an eye out for any signs of greed; life does not consist in an excess of material stuff.” | Luke 12:13-15 (New International Version)

6 //BE TRUSTED WITH TRUE RICHES

“It is true that whomever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and that whoever is dishonest with very little will likewise be dishonest with much,” says the author of The Honest Broker. And who would put their faith in you when it comes to genuine riches, if you haven’t proven yourself trustworthy with worldly wealth?” | Luke 16:10–11 (NIV)

7 //SHE PUT IN EVERYTHING

He took up his position across from where the gifts were placed and stood there watching the people deposit their money into the temple’s treasury. A great number of wealthy individuals contributed large sums. However, a poor widow came and placed two extremely little copper coins, each worth only a few cents, in the box. “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has contributed more to the treasury than any of the others,” Jesus told his followers after calling them to him. They others donated from their money, but she gave everything she had because she was poor.

Mark 12:41-44 (New International Version) We are reminded of this fundamental reality throughout all of Jesus’ teachings on money: money is a competitor for our hearts.

What Jesus said about Money-7 Top Bible Verses

When it comes to riches and poverty, what exactly did Jesus teach? Perhaps you believe that Jesus opposed money and favored a life of poverty and self-denial in his teachings. Perhaps you believe, as many proponents of the prosperity gospel do, that Jesus favored wealth creation. Alternatively, you may be anywhere in the middle. The answer to this issue is important because it goes to the very core of who Jesus is — and what the Bible teaches about riches and poverty as a whole — and how we should live our lives.

It is really extremely difficult to establish a thorough ethic of riches and poverty from the example of Christ’s life, because it is possible to highlight both wealth and poverty in Jesus’ life and mission. If you are concentrating on poverty, you might want to underline the following facts:

Jesus was born in a manger (see Luke 2:7) and came from a working-class family of lower, or at the very least, middle-class origins. Interestingly, Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, was a manual laborer — a carpenter (see Matt. 13:55), a job that Christ himself appears to have taken up later in life (see Mark 6:3). Because Joseph and Mary were impoverished enough at the time of Jesus’ birth, they were able to present two pigeons at the birth purification rite, instead of the customary yearling lamb (see Luke 2:24). As part of his earthly ministry, Jesus ministered to and identified with many from the lower classes, including prostitutes, children who were abandoned by their parents, widows, and other social and economic outcasts. He declared that “foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matt. 8:20). This sentence accurately described Christ’s existence, since he appeared to have had no house, no land, and no regular source of money during his mission. Loaning was standard practice during Jesus’ earthly ministry
For example, he loaned out a boat in which to preach, food in order for it to increase, a colt on which to ride, a meeting place in which to meet, and even a tomb in which to be laid to rest.

On the other hand, the Gospels reveal that Jesus possessed great authority and substantial wealth throughout his life and ministry.

When Jesus was on the road, he regularly met with members of the religious elite, including scribes, Sadducees, and Pharisees, as well as members of the Sanhedrin, such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea (see John 3:1-21
19:38). In addition, Christ ministered to prominent and wealthy individuals such as the rich young ruler (see Matt. 19:16-24), an unnamed centurion (see Luke 7:1-5), and a number of tax collectors, including Levi and Zacchaeus
Jesus occasionally attended public parties and feasts (see Luke 5:29-32
John 2:1-11)
He accepted invitations to dine with the rich and powerful (see Luke 11:37
14:1-6)
And He used investment banking analogies to The Son of Man arrived eating and drinking, according to Jesus’ own witness (Matt 11:19)
Nevertheless, Jesus taught that “there is no one who has abandoned home. or lands, for my cause and the gospel, who will not get a hundredfold now at this time. and in the age to come.” (Mark 10:29-30). Despite the fact that this scripture has undoubtedly been misapplied and exploited, Jesus did appear to be hinting to the possibilities of monetary gain for his disciples.

The existence of riches or a state of poverty in Jesus’ practice and teaching would be impossible to demonstrate, at least not in a way that excluded the opposite condition from his teaching and practice. In reality, despite the fact that economic issues emerged regularly during Christ’s life and ministry, he did not provide his disciples with a comprehensive, precise economic plan. Instead, Jesus’ example and teachings on money and poverty are extensive, and the Gospel authors frequently highlight the spiritual significance of these teachings.

While his teachings are difficult to describe, we may outline the fundamental tenets of Jesus’ economic ethic.

1. Believers must care for the poor.

Despite the fact that the Gospels do not emphasize the working ideal of creation, the Old Testament emphasis on caring for the impoverished is plainly visible throughout Christ’s mission. As far as I can tell, poverty is not depicted in the Gospels — or anywhere else in Scripture, for that matter — as something that is intrinsically wrong. Despite the fact that Jesus was somewhat impoverished throughout his incarnation, and at times intentionally so, he was without sin (see 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15).

As a result, believers should endeavor to relieve involuntary poverty since doing so is both Christlike and in accordance with the faith.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the needy, as recorded in Isaiah 61:1.
The poor are cared for by Christians in imitation of Jesus, who is successfully ministered to as a result of their actions (see Matt.
As a result of such service, God’s plan of redemption, which aims at the restoration of all things (see Acts 3:21; Romans 8:21), including good stewardship over material resources, is realized and shown.

2. Wealth can be a spiritual stumbling block.

Believers must guard against the temptations of material prosperity, which may be quite tempting. This focus goes hand in hand with the concept of caring for the impoverished, since if wealth is not worshiped, then ministering to the destitute becomes a natural extension of good stewardship and philanthropy. This idea is obvious in one of Jesus’ most well-known economic comments, which is his reflection of his interaction with the rich, young ruler:Truly, I say to you, a rich person will only be able to enter the kingdom of heaven if he endures great tribulation.

As a matter of fact, he was assessing the character of the wealthy, youthful monarch, who, by his acts, had demonstrated that he placed a premium on worldly wealth over his own spiritual well-being.

When Jesus journeyed around Israel, calling on his followers, he implied that money may be a possible spiritual stumbling block for some people.

19:27; Mark 1:18; 10:28).

In addition to the Pharisees, who were “lovers of money” (Luke 16:14), there were money changers in the temple (see Matt. 21:12-13)
Judas Iscariot (see Matt. 26:14-16
John 12:4-6)
And other figures in the story of Jesus’ life.

However, we should not take Jesus’ cautions about the trappings of riches to mean that we should refrain from accumulating and enjoying worldly items in any manner. Christ himself, as previously said, profited from the wealth of others throughout his life and career, and he even counseled his disciples on how to use financial possessions to further their own spiritual endeavors (see Luke 22:35-36). Jesus was followed by a group of wealthy men, including Zacchaeus and Joseph of Arimathea. Others, like as the Gerasene demoniac, wished to abandon everything in order to join Jesus, but were forbidden by Christ himself to do so (see Mark 5:18-19).

The words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, which are perhaps the best distillation of this economic issue in his teaching, are: “Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth.but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Because where your riches is, there is also where your heart will be.

6:19-21), This post is based on an excerpt from Dr.

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What Did Jesus Say About Money?

It has been claimed that the wallet is the most sensitive portion of the human anatomy. This is undoubtedly true. Money is a sensitive subject that can be difficult to discuss. The use of currency for economic trade has been a source of contention for as long as money has been in use. There may be significant variances between individuals from different historical times and civilizations, but three fundamental facts hold true: we want more money, we want to spend it whatever we want, and we despise being taxed (in almost all cases).

Some of His teachings on money were divisive in His day, and they continue to be divisive now.

Jesus taught that money shouldn’t be our driving motivation in life.

It has come to be known as the prosperity gospel in the realm of Christianity, and it is a message that has spread around the world. It’s referred to as the “health and riches gospel” by some, and it’s particularly popular among television preachers. Fundamentally, the idea is that if you have trust in Jesus and perform things that are agreeable to Him, He will reward you with personal success and money (which, of course, television preachers usually want a significant portion of). It is, in essence, a Christian interpretation of the Eastern concept of karma.

He may have enticed people to join Him by promising them a life of rich physical and financial prosperity in this world.
Following Jesus, according to His teachings, entails making sacrifices.
Matthew 16:24 in the New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>Matthew 16:24 in the New King James Version (NKJV).
In certain cases, the sacrifice that one must make involves the loss of family and friends.
And sometimes the sacrifice is in the form of money.
After that, a specific ruler approached Him and said, “Good Teacher, what should I do in order to gain eternal life?” New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>Luke 18:18).
Following Jesus’ response, in which he listed several of the Ten Commandments, the young man stated that he had been following those commandments since he was a youngster.

Sell all you own and give the proceeds to the needy, and you will have a treasure trove in paradise.” (22 As a result, when Jesus learned of these events, He told him, “You still lack one thing.

So sell everything you have and come, follow Me.” New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>verse 22)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>verse 22).

He wouldn’t be able to fully commit himself to following Christ until he dealt with his all-consuming commitment to money and material possessions.

However, when he realized what had happened, he became quite depressed since he was extremely wealthy.

New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>verse 23).

New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>verse 24).

Take note that Jesus stated that it would be difficult, but He did not state that it would be impossible!

In other words, rather than teaching a gospel of health and money that promised success, Jesus taught that wealth might actually be a huge obstacle to someone’s willingness to devote his or her life entirely to God’s service.

Those who have received seed amid the thorns are those who hear the word, but the concerns of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the message, and he is rendered unfruitful.

He also highlighted “mammon” (money) as something that cannot be served at the same time as one is serving God (see verses 24 and 25).

You cannot serve both God and money at the same time.

The prosperity gospel is a deluding belief system.

Rather, he was conveying the notion that money and possessions may be quite dangerous to Christians if they allow them to become their primary motivator in life.

It is not possible to have both.

It is not possible to be both (34).

The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV).

Since the beginning of recorded history, the majority of devoted Christians have not been rewarded with tremendous material wealth and success.

Using the promise of bodily blessings as a bait to entice people to Christianity is deceitful and goes against Jesus’ teachings on the subject of grace. “What’s Wrong With the Prosperity Gospel?” is a good read if you want to understand more about this misguided doctrine.

Jesus taught people to pay their taxes.

The majority of Americans despise the idea of paying taxes. People will frequently go to whatever length to pay as little tax as possible, and in other situations, they would attempt to avoid paying any taxes at all. Celebrities (and, on occasion, religious leaders) seem to be sentenced to prison or punished on a regular basis for tax evasion, according to the media. Recent years have witnessed an increase in the number of people—including some who identify as Christians—who view taxes as something to be opposed.

Let us not forget that Jesus lived under a rule that was more controlling, repressive, and taxing than the vast majority of governments in the Western world today, and that we should remember this.
“Is it legal to pay taxes to Caesar, or is it not?” a question He was asked late in His ministry.
Jesus responded in a unique and imaginative way.
Someone handed Him a denarius, which he accepted.
This was their truthful response: “Caesar’s” (verse 21).
Jesus’ message was unequivocal: his followers are required to pay their taxes to the government of the country in which they reside.
7 As a result, pay all of your debts, including taxes to those who owe them, customs to those who owe them, fear to those who deserve it, and honor to those who deserve it.

(NKJV) Romans 13:6-7 (The Holy Bible, New King James Version, published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson”> The act of lawfully reducing one’s taxes is not unlawful, but illegally dodging or restraining one’s taxes is against the very clear teachings of Jesus Christ.

In His day, Jesus was neither an outspoken opponent of the government nor a willing participant in the affairs of the state.

Although He instructed His disciples to symbolize and model a new type of governance, the coming Kingdom of God (33), He did so spiritually.

Matt.

Since then, the gospel of the kingdom of God has been proclaimed, and everyone is putting their efforts into advancing it.

Luke 16:16 New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>The Holy Bible, New King James Version”>Luke 16:16). More information on this issue may be found in the book “The Politics of Jesus.”

Jesus taught His followers to tithe.

The second half of Jesus’ response to the tax question was very noteworthy. Following his statement that we are to pay “Caesar the things that are Caesar’s,” Jesus went on to declare that we are also to pay “God the things that are God’s” as well (Matthew 22:21). Who or what was He referring to? What exactly do we owe to God? What Jesus was alluding to would have been evident to those in His audience at the time. The assembly of Jews who had gathered in front of Him would have quickly realized that He was referring to the law of tithe (30).

It is a sacred place in the eyes of the LORD.

“>Leviticus 27:30) is a verse from the Bible.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV) “>Deuteronomy 16:16-17 (Deuteronomy 16:16-17).

Offerings are presents made to God by God’s people in gratitude for his benefits.

‘I fast twice a week and donate tithes of whatever I own to the Lord.’ The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV) “>Luke 18:12 (King James Version).

Because you give tithes of mint, anise, and cummin, but you have disregarded the more important principles of the law, such as justice, mercy, and belief.

Justice, kindness, and faith, he said, were the “heavier concerns” to consider.

As a result, Jesus explicitly instructed His people to tithe.

Recognize that the tithes and offerings made by individuals who take seriously Jesus’ instruction to give to God “the things that are God’s” and to not leave tithing “undone” finance all of the work of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.

You, on the other hand, claim that we have robbed you in some manner.

9 It is you who has been cursed since you have plundered Me, and even this entire nation.

“Test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “to see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour forth for you such blessing that there will not be enough room to receive it.” The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV).

Those rewards are not always monetary in nature, and we should not be compelled to tithe in order to obtain a blessing. In order to understand more about the subject of tithing, please see our article “Tithing: What Is It?”

Make God your financial adviser

The Bible has a great deal more to say about money and finances than you may expect. To be precise, because the Bible is God’s Word, by studying and using its financial precepts, you have the potential to transform the Creator of the universe into your own personal financial consultant in a way. ” Six Biblical Personal Finance Principles” is a book that can help you discover more about what the Bible has to say about this vital issue. a little about the author

Erik Jones

A full-time writer and editor at the Life, Hope, and Truth offices in McKinney, Texas, Erik Jones is a member of the Life, Hope, and Truth team. More information can be found at Read on for more information.