What Did 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

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.

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.

God insisted that the outside of the field be left unpicked and that farmers refrain from returning to the same place to pick up what they had missed the first time. 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).

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

“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 so that they can continue to dwell among you. Avoid taking any interest or profit from them, but rather fear your God, in order for them to be able to continue to dwell in your midst.” Israel’s attitude toward hospitality remained unwavering. The Israelites were required to treat the sojourners among them with dignity and respect, as a light to the Gentiles and, in fact, to all nations (Isaiah 49:6).

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. God is stating in this passage, “The poor will always be among you; therefore, you must always be prepared to provide.”

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)

According to the Bible, it is a sin to disdain one’s neighbor; but, the one who is compassionate to the poor is blessed. Love your neighbor as yourself was not a commandment that appeared out of nowhere when Jesus gave us the mandate to love our neighbor as ourselves. As seen by their treatment of others, particularly the impoverished, Israel’s righteousness could be seen.

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)

“Whoever mocks the destitute displays disrespect for their Creator; whoever gloats over misfortune will not go unpunished,” the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said. God does not distinguish between oppression of the poor and other forms of injustice. Demonstrating contempt for the poor or making light of events that render people impoverished is a form of disdain for God’s creation. Everyone has been endowed with incalculable value. It is God’s desire that individuals treat others in ways that reinforce that value, regardless of the size of their financial assets.

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.

See also:  Why Did Jesus Raise Lazarus

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. Unfortunately, they would soon find themselves in a position of need, and no one would respond when they shouted out in distress.

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

Do not abuse the poor because they are poor, and do not crush the poor in court because the Lord will take up their case and exact life for life as a result of their poverty. A location where the destitute may go and get justice in God’s eyes, the courtroom was one of those places. If the legal system is corrupt and becomes a tool for the wealthy to take advantage of the poor, where can the underprivileged turn for fair treatment and justice? As a result of the abuse of the courts by the most vulnerable members of society, God steps in as their public defender, and they will get justice.

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. God’s sensitive care for people who are broken, striving, and hurting is a demonstration of His unfailing love for them.

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 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. However, if we become greedy and covetous, the gifts we have received will turn into a curse on our heads. The items we withhold from people who are in need serve as a witness against ourselves.

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.

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.

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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!

What did Jesus really mean when he said, “The poor you will always have with you”? — Craig Greenfield

Isn’t it true that poverty can never be overcome? It is an issue that cannot be resolved under any circumstances. Because, after all, Jesus promised, “The poor you will ALWAYS have with you.” The evidence is clearly there in the Bible. 12th chapter of John. Verse 8 is a proverbial slap in the face to the world. Consequently, sonny-boy, don’t be overly concerned with addressing poverty and injustice. It’s a lost struggle at this point. Reduce the intensity of your revolutionary rhetoric and abandon the struggle.

  1. Perhaps, like me, you have had the experience of receiving a symbolic pat on the back of the head.
  2. Well, that’s a bollocks.
  3. It appears to me that Jesus was promoting charity and action to remove poverty, rather than apathy expressed by raising one’s hands in the air and shrugging one’s shoulders.
  4. You know how certain catchphrases are simply so widely known that everyone knows the finish – you don’t even have to speak it?
  5. “Sticks and stones will shatter my bones, but names will never hurt me,” says the protagonist at the conclusion of the story.
  6. It was a happy coincidence.

The complete text of the original quotation is as follows: “If one of your brothers should become poor in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your hearts nor close your hands against your poor brother; rather, you shall open your hands to him and lend him sufficient to meet his need, whatever it may be,” the Bible says.

I order you as a result, “You must extend an open hand to your brother, to the destitute and the needy in your country,” says the Lord.

“Extend your hand as far as you can!” When it comes to helping the needy, the mandate to do so comes directly from the mouth of Yahweh.

The next time someone says, “The poor will always be with you,” think about this.

It is also worth noting that Jesus used the following words to admonish Judas, who had been disdainful towards a lady for pouring out her perfume on him: Not because he was concerned about the needy, but rather because he was a con artist who used to take advantage of the situation by taking what was put into the money bag and putting it in his own pocket.

The fact is, however, that this posture of generosity and open-handedness is much more consistent with the rest of Jesus’ life and teachings, beginning with the revolutionary song sung by Mary while Jesus was still in the womb: “He has filled the hungry with good things, and he has sent away the rich empty.” (See also Luke 1:53) During the feeding of the 5000, we can witness Jesus fulfilling this prophesy in action.

The identical term, “filled,” that we heard in Mary’s Sing is found in John 6:12, where we are told that the motley multitude all ate and were “full.” One small boy’s willingness to be “open-handed” towards the poor and needy resulted in the needs of 5000 hungry people being satisfied at that particular location and time.

Because people who possessed property or homes sold them from time to time and carried the money from the sales to the apostles’ feet, where it was dispersed to those who were in need.

Poverty was erased right in their own backyard.

The Kingdom of Jesus will be established in an upside-down manner.

He invites us to participate in it. Those who are downtrodden will be helped. The hungry will be provided with food. It is both your and my responsibility to be open-handed. So what are you waiting for? Get started today! Let’s get this party started!

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.

  1. To join Jesus in His ministry, we must believe in it with all of our hearts and minds, just as he has.
  2. Possessing Jesus’ money and “owning” the problems of poverty There is a difference between the currency of Jesus’ kingdom and the currency of ours.
  3. For Jesus, belief and action are inseparable—you cannot have one without the other in order to be saved.
  4. Many of them have been spawned by our inactivity.
  5. But we may also join Jesus in his efforts to improve the status of our planet.
  6. After all, this is exactly what Christ commanded us to do.
  7. What good is faith if it doesn’t bring sincere hope to the table?
See also:  What A Powerful Name It Is The Name Of Jesus

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.

What Did Jesus Say About The Poor? Bible Quotes and Study

There are a number of verses in which Jesus speaks about the poor, including the following: “And Jesus replied them, ‘Go, tell John what you hear and see.the poor have good news broadcast to them.'” (See Matthew 11:4-5.) What is the best way for us to live our life and love the poor? Let us examine the Scriptures to discover what Jesus had to say.

The Poor Have the Good News Preached to Them

What was the purpose of Jesus speaking the verse from Matthew 11 above? When was the last time you fasted for an extended length of time, say 24 hours? If you have, you will understand how desperate you felt while you were starving. You would eat anything at that point in order to fulfill your appetite. That is how the good news is delivered to the impoverished. If you go to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, you will witness the delight on the faces of the destitute when they receive their meal distribution.

Poor people will be much more receptive to the Gospel of Jesus if they witness your love and your willingness to serve them in their moment of need while you are sharing it with them through your actions.

A Poor Man Who is Content Will Live Eternally in Heaven

“Once upon a time, there lived a wealthy man who dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted lavishly every day. Moreover, outside his door lay a wretched man named Lazarus, who was covered with sores and who wished to be fed from the scraps that dropped from the wealthy man’s dinner. Even the dogs came up and kissed his wounds, which was a nice touch. Eventually, the unfortunate guy died and was taken to Abraham’s side by the angels.” (See Luke 16:19-22a for further information.) The poor guy was pleased to graze on the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s dinner plate.

  • When Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, he was attempting to convey exactly this message.
  • Matthew 5:3 (Matthew 5:3) Being impoverished in spirit refers to being content in any and all circumstances that you may encounter in your life.
  • Whenever you look at someone who is truly happy, you will see that they are beaming with happiness.
  • The Bible is making a call to all of us to live in poverty of spirit.
  • It builds a tie of love that continues to develop stronger as you place more and more confidence in Him by being content with what you already have in your life.

We are Called to Take Care of the Poor

. we can absolutely offer as much love as we can to the impoverished people who are in need of assistance, whether it be financial, physical, or emotional assistance. “However, when you have a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed since they will not be able to repay you.” Because you will be compensated at the resurrection of the righteous,” says the Apostle Paul. (See Luke 14:13-14 for further information.) Consider the implications of this.

Before Jesus died on the cross and paid the penalty for our sins, we were all in desperate need of assistance.

Jesus’ death on the cross for us entirely atoned for every single sin and exempted us from God’s wrath.

Compassion International is an organization through which you may assist in the care of the poor today while also teaching children about Jesus. Consider assisting a kid after praying about it.

A Poor Person can Have Great Faith

“When Jesus glanced up, he saw the affluent placing their presents into the offering box, and he also observed a poor widow drop in two little copper pennies from her purse.” And He answered, ‘Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put forth more effort than all of them put together.’ Because they all gave from their riches, but she gave from her poverty, putting in all she had to make ends meet.” (See Luke 21:1-4 for further information.) When she gave up all of her money, this woman shown incredible trust in God’s ability to care for her.

She didn’t put any trust in herself at all.

She is an incredible role model for all of us to want to be like.

Conclusion

As you can see, Jesus had a lot to say about the poor, as you can see in the passage above. We have a responsibility to assist the needy. We are called to be impoverished in spirit, as the Bible says. Also, when a person is financially impoverished and still relies on God for their nourishment, we can see just how strong their faith is. Look for methods to assist someone who is in need and watch for the rewards that God will shower upon you. God’s blessings on you as you strive to live a life worthy of your calling.

Permission has been granted to use.

Jesus’ words, BIBLE QUOTES, BIBLE STUDY, POVERTY

How Did Jesus View Wealth and Poverty?

How did Jesus feel about money and poverty? This is the answer to that question. reaches right down to the very core of Jesus’ identity, then goes on to discuss what the Bible has to say about poverty and money.

The Way Jesus Viewed Poverty

Following are some points to consider while thinking about poverty:

  • When Jesus was born in a manger (Luke 2:7), he was the child of a lower-class family that was likely, at most, middle-class in social standing. Carpentry was a trade that Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, practiced (Matthew 13:55), and it was one that Jesus eventually adopted himself (Mark 6:3). When Jesus was born, His parents, Joseph and Mary, were impoverished enough to be able to present two pigeons at the birth purification rite instead of the customary yearling lamb (Luke 2:24). When He was on earth, the Lord Jesus visited and identified with those from the lower socioeconomic classes, including orphans, prostitutes, widows, and a variety of other economic and social outcasts. When asked why the Son of Man had nowhere to rest his head, Jesus replied in Matthew 8:20, “Foxes have burrows, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20 characterizes Christ’s existence as one in which he has no home, no land, and no regular source of money. Throughout His mission, Jesus borrowed a boat from which to preach, food from which to multiply, a colt on which to ride, a chamber in which to assemble, and even a tomb in which to be buried.

The Way Jesus Viewed Power and Wealth

Jesus’ life and ministry are marked by the presence of authority and material prosperity, which may be seen in a variety of ways throughout the gospels:

  • John 3:1-21 and 19:38 describe Jesus’ numerous interactions with religious leaders such as the Pharisees, scribes, and Sadducees as well as members of the Sanhedrin, such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Lord Jesus ministered to powerful and wealthy individuals such as the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-24), the unnamed centurion (Luke 7:1-5), and a large number of tax collectors such as Levi and Zacchaeus
  • Jesus attended public parties and feasts (Luke 5:29-32
  • John 2:1-11)
  • Jesus accepted invitations to dine with the rich and powerful (Luke 11:37
  • 14:1-6)
  • And Jesus used investment banking analogies (Matthew 25:14-30
  • Luke 19:11-17). When Jesus receives costly presents from His followers (Luke 7:36-39
  • John 12:1-3), it is a significant event in His life.

Caring for the Poor in Jesus’ Ministry

There is a wide range of topics covered in Jesus’ teachings and example on poverty and riches, and the gospel authors utilize them to underline their spiritual significance in the lives of those to whom Jesus speaks. The impoverished must be taken care of by the people of God. In the Bible, poverty is not portrayed as a wicked state. Jesus was destitute at times during His Incarnation, yet He did so deliberately, and yet He was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21;Hebrews 4:15). The Bible recognizes poverty as a wicked condition whose causes and consequences are frequently evil.

Isaiah 61:1 was the first verse in Luke 4:18 that Jesus used to begin His ministry: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to announce good news to the poor.” “He has sent me to declare liberation for the captives and sight restoration for the blind, and to set the downtrodden free,” says the Prophet Muhammad.

Ministry to the poor is a representation and completion of Christ’s redemption, which is primarily concerned with the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21; Romans 8:21), including right stewardship of the earth’s resources.

While there will be voluntary poverty before the Second Coming (Mark 14:7), Christians should make every effort to address the needs of the impoverished in their communities and local congregations.

How Money Can Be a Stumbling Block

The third element that emerges from Jesus’ mission is that riches may be a stumbling obstacle in one’s quest to find God. Christians should be on the lookout for opportunities to acquire financial prosperity. In a world where wealth is not worshipped, ministering to the destitute becomes a method of practicing biblical stewardship. The dialogue between Jesus and the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:23, for example, exemplifies this concept. Jesus was not speaking about the problems of financial money, but rather about the character of the rich young ruler, who had demonstrated that he placed material prosperity above his personal need for the Lord in his life.

To follow Jesus, the disciples gave up their possessions freely (Matthew 19:27; Mark 1:18; Matthew 10:28), and this is a requirement for all followers of Jesus today as well (Matthew 19:27; Mark 1:18; Matthew 10:28).

People who were concerned about their financial well-being may be seen all during Jesus’ career, including the apostle Peter.

  • The Pharisees, “who were lovers of money” (Luke 16:14)
  • The money changers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13)
  • Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14-16
  • John 12:4-6)
  • The money changers in the temple

Jesus is not forbidding anybody from enjoying or accumulating material possessions. Jesus profited personally by the riches of others and urged His disciples to use earthly possessions for spiritual advancement (Luke 22:35-36). Zacchaeus and Joseph of Arimathea were among the wealthy persons who followed Jesus. Others, like as the demoniac from Gerasene, want to abandon everything in order to join Jesus, but were prevented from doing so by Jesus, who instructed him to “go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had compassion on you” (Matthew 10:38).

The warning of Jesus about riches being a stumbling block is a sobering reminder to people of their ultimate devotion to Him and of where our genuine value and worship should be focused, not on ourselves (Matthew 6:19-21).

Covetousness and the Ten Commandments

Christians have understood for ages that, while the Law is detailed in the first five books of the Bible, the Ten Commandments provide a concise overview of the Law. The Ten Commandments provide concrete examples of how to express thankfulness to the Lord for saving us. It is possible that when we analyze the Ten Commandments, we will assume that they are all distinct from one another, yet this is not the case. Covetousness, according to theologians, is the foundation of all ills and one of the seven deadly sins (Exodus 20:17).

For example, when one’s wicked cravings for individuals other than one’s spouse lead to adultery, it is clear to understand how this sin leads to all the others as well.

The act of coveting another’s wealth results in thievery. Desire, power, and status may lead to idolatry, deception, murder, and other types of crimes, among other things.

Covetousness and Contentment

According to Hebrews 13:5-6, one of the most important lessons we can draw from this passage is that we are to be satisfied with what the Lord has provided for us and to be free from the desire of money. Money is not inherently evil, but the desire to acquire more than the Lord has provided us with is what leads to all kind of evil depravity (1 Timothy 6:10). Having a desire for anything in our lives can become one of the things that causes us to fail in our walk with the Lord and cause us to be disqualified from the race of faith.

Hebrews 13:5-6 not only serves as a warning to Christians, but it also serves as a prescription for them to be satisfied with whatever they have.

Furthermore, we must be reminded that the Lord would never abandon us, and that we should have no cause for concern because the Lord is our helper.

Dave Jenkins and his wife, Sarah Jenkins, are in a happy marriage.

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