Matthew 26:11 isn’t an excuse to ignore poverty — it’s a call to action. When Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you,” He wasn’t dismissing their needs. He was reminding us that poverty will always be part of our world, and we’re called to respond with generosity, compassion, and justice. As Christians, we’re meant to reflect God’s heart by giving, serving, and advocating for those in need.
You don’t have to be wealthy or powerful to make a difference. Whether it’s giving financially, volunteering your time, or simply living more intentionally, your actions matter. Jesus made it clear that how we treat the poor is how we treat Him. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how you can live this out every day — clearly, practically, and biblically.
“The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” — Matthew 26:11 (NIV)
This verse has caused a lot of confusion and debate. Some Christians use it to justify inaction toward poverty, suggesting it’s inevitable, so why bother? Others see it as a deeper call to action. So, what does Matthew 26:11 really mean, and what should you, as a follower of Christ, do about poverty today?
Let’s unpack this clearly, practically, and biblically.
1. Understanding Matthew 26:11 in Context
First, it’s crucial to look at the context of the verse.
In Matthew 26, a woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus. The disciples get upset, saying it could’ve been sold to help the poor. Jesus responds:
“Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” — Matthew 26:10-11
Jesus wasn’t downplaying the importance of helping the poor. He was emphasizing that this act of worship recognized a unique moment in history: His imminent death.
He was quoting Deuteronomy 15:11:
“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy.”
In other words, Jesus acknowledged the ongoing reality of poverty but reminded His followers to always be generous.
2. Poverty Is Still With Us — But That’s No Excuse
Fast forward to today. Poverty is very much still with us:
- Over 700 million people live on less than $2.15 a day (World Bank, 2024).
- In the U.S. alone, over 37 million people live below the poverty line.
Jesus wasn’t saying, “Don’t worry about the poor.” He was saying, “Yes, you’ll always have opportunities to care for them — so take them.”
Don’t Use Scripture to Avoid Responsibility
It’s tempting to see poverty as too big to solve. But scripture never tells you to solve it alone. It says to respond:
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” — 1 John 3:17
3. So What Should Christians Do About Poverty?
Here’s where things get practical. You don’t have to be a billionaire philanthropist to make a difference. You can start with what you have, where you are.
A. Give Generously
You don’t need to be rich to give.
- Give money to local shelters, food banks, or global organizations like Compassion International, World Vision, or The Salvation Army.
- Support your local church’s outreach programs.
Pro Tip: Tithe regularly, but also give offerings above your tithe toward helping the poor.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” — Proverbs 19:17
B. Serve With Your Time
Not everyone can give financially, but everyone can give time.
- Volunteer at soup kitchens or homeless shelters.
- Mentor youth from under-resourced communities.
- Help with job training or resume writing programs.
C. Advocate for Systemic Change
Charity helps individuals. Justice changes systems.
As a Christian, you should speak up when policies or practices hurt the poor.
- Vote for leaders who prioritize poverty reduction.
- Support housing, healthcare, and education initiatives.
- Educate yourself on economic injustice and advocate for fairness.
D. Live Simply So Others Can Simply Live
You don’t have to live in poverty to empathize. You can:
- Cut unnecessary spending.
- Reduce waste.
- Be mindful of where you buy (support fair trade, ethical companies).
When you live more simply, you free up resources to share — and set a powerful example.
4. Poverty Isn’t Just About Money
When the Bible talks about “the poor,” it often includes those who are:
- Spiritually empty
- Socially isolated
- Mentally or emotionally burdened
So your response should also be holistic:
- Offer friendship to the lonely
- Provide encouragement to those who feel worthless
- Share hope and the Gospel with those in despair
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:3
Don’t just meet physical needs. Help restore dignity, identity, and connection.
5. Real People, Real Needs — Real Responsibility
Let’s make this personal.
That single mom you see at the grocery store, counting coins? She needs more than your sympathy.
The man asking for change outside your church? He needs more than a prayer.
Ask yourself:
- Can I buy someone a meal today?
- Can I donate clothes or school supplies?
- Can I make room in my life for someone who’s struggling?
Jesus often went straight to the poor, the outcast, the forgotten. If you want to follow Him, that’s where you’ll need to go too.
6. Remember: You’re Not the Savior — Just a Servant
You won’t fix poverty. But you can be part of the solution.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
It’s not about rescuing the poor. It’s about recognizing Christ in them. When you serve the poor, you’re serving Jesus Himself.
Final Thoughts: What Will You Do With Matthew 26:11?
Jesus said, “You will always have the poor with you.” That’s not a reason to give up. It’s a reason to show up — again and again.
If you’re a Christian, poverty isn’t just a social issue. It’s a spiritual calling.
So here’s the challenge:
Start today. Start small. But start.
Give. Serve. Speak up. Walk with. And remember — when you do it for the least, you do it for Him.
Related Searches (SEO Keywords):
- What does Matthew 26:11 mean?
- Christian response to poverty
- Bible verses about helping the poor
- How to help the poor as a Christian
- Jesus and poverty
- Deuteronomy 15:11 explained
If you’d like a shareable version or a printable PDF of this article, let me know. I can also help you create a giving or serving plan tailored to your time, budget, and calling.
FAQs: Applying Matthew 26:11 Today — What Should Christians Do About Poverty?
1. What does Matthew 26:11 mean?
Matthew 26:11 says, “The poor you will always have with you,” which is often misunderstood. Jesus wasn’t saying we should ignore the poor. He was reminding His disciples that poverty would persist and that they’d always have the responsibility to care for those in need.
2. Is Jesus saying helping the poor doesn’t matter?
No. In fact, Jesus often emphasized caring for the poor. In this verse, He was highlighting a unique moment — His coming death — while affirming that helping the poor remains an ongoing and important part of Christian life.
3. What does Deuteronomy 15:11 have to do with Matthew 26:11?
Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 15:11, which says, “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded.” He’s reinforcing the idea that poverty requires a generous response.
4. How should Christians respond to poverty today?
Christians should respond by giving, serving, advocating for justice, and living simply. Whether through financial support, volunteering, or speaking up for systemic change, each action reflects Jesus’ compassion.
5. Does the Bible command Christians to help the poor?
Yes. Scriptures like Proverbs 19:17 and 1 John 3:17 clearly instruct believers to care for the poor. Helping the needy is central to living out the Gospel.
6. What if I can’t afford to give money?
You can still give your time, skills, and attention. Volunteering, mentoring, or helping in your community are all powerful ways to support those in need.
7. Isn’t poverty too big for one person to impact?
You’re not expected to fix poverty alone. But your faithful, small actions — giving, serving, showing kindness — absolutely make a difference. The Gospel calls you to do what you can.
8. Should Christians focus on charity or justice?
Both. Charity addresses immediate needs; justice tackles root causes. Jesus cared deeply about individuals and challenged unjust systems. Christians are called to both relieve suffering and seek fairness.
9. How can I involve my church in helping the poor?
Start or support local outreach programs, food drives, or service projects. Encourage teaching on biblical justice. Invite speakers from organizations already doing good work to inspire action.
10. How does helping the poor connect to my faith in Jesus?
Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of these… you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Serving the poor isn’t optional — it’s part of your worship and a sign of real, active faith.
