What Does Jesus Say About Wealth?

Wealth is a topic that has fascinated humanity for centuries.

From ancient times to the present, people have sought ways to accumulate, manage, and understand the purpose of wealth.

If you’re wondering what Jesus, one of the most influential figures in history, says about wealth, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into His teachings and explore what He really said about money and possessions.

Wealth in the Teachings of Jesus

The Love of Money: A Cautionary Tale

Jesus didn’t shy away from discussing money, but He often approached it with caution.

One of His most quoted statements on this subject is found in the Gospel of Matthew:

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24, NIV)

In this verse, Jesus warns against the danger of letting money become a master.

It’s clear that He sees the love of money as a significant barrier to spiritual growth.

When you place wealth above everything else, it becomes difficult to stay committed to God’s teachings.

The Parable of the Rich Fool

Jesus often used parables—simple stories with profound lessons—to convey His messages.

One of these is the Parable of the Rich Fool, found in Luke 12:16-21.

Here’s a brief summary:

A rich man had a bountiful harvest and thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.”
He decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store all his grain and goods.
He said to himself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”
But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”

Jesus concludes this parable by saying, “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21, NIV)

The message is clear: accumulating wealth for its own sake, without considering your spiritual responsibilities or the needs of others, is ultimately foolish.

Wealth can’t guarantee a secure future or bring eternal satisfaction.

The Rich Young Ruler

Another significant teaching on wealth comes from Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-27).

This young man approached Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life.

Jesus told him to keep the commandments, which the young man claimed to have done since his youth. Jesus then gave him one more challenge:

“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21, NIV)

The young man went away sad because he had great wealth and couldn’t bring himself to part with it.

Jesus then remarked to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23, NIV).

This story highlights the struggle many face between their devotion to material wealth and their desire to follow Jesus.

The young man’s sorrow underscores the difficulty of giving up earthly possessions for the sake of spiritual riches.

What Jesus Values More Than Wealth

#1. Generosity and Helping Others

Jesus consistently emphasized generosity and the importance of helping others.

He praised the widow who gave two small coins—her entire livelihood—over the rich who gave large sums out of their abundance (Mark 12:41-44).

Jesus saw the widow’s act as more significant because she gave all she had to live on, showing her trust in God.

Moreover, in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates the importance of using your resources to help those in need.

The Samaritan, unlike the others who passed by, used his money to care for a beaten man left on the road.

This act of kindness and compassion is what Jesus holds up as the true standard of loving your neighbor.

#2. Storing Treasures in Heaven

Jesus often spoke about where you should place your true treasure.

In Matthew 6:19-21, He advises:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV)

This teaching encourages you to focus on spiritual wealth—acts of love, kindness, faith, and service—over material accumulation.

Jesus is clear that your heart follows where your treasure is.

If you invest in heavenly treasures, your heart will align with God’s will.

#3. Trust in God, Not Wealth

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks extensively about worry and trust.

He reassures His followers not to worry about their material needs because God knows and provides what they need:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

Jesus teaches that you should prioritize your relationship with God and trust Him to take care of your needs.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work or plan, but it emphasizes the importance of not letting material concerns dominate your life.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings on wealth are clear and profound.

He doesn’t condemn wealth itself but warns against the dangers of loving it too much or placing it above God.

He encourages you to be generous, help others, and invest in spiritual rather than material wealth. Jesus’ words challenge you to reconsider your relationship with money and to focus on what truly matters in life.

In a world where wealth often dictates status and success, Jesus’ teachings provide a counter-cultural perspective.

They remind you that true value lies not in what you possess but in how you live and love others.

So, the next time you think about wealth, consider Jesus’ words and let them guide your decisions and priorities.

Key Verses

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24, NIV)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, NIV)

By embracing these teachings, you’ll find a richer, more meaningful life centered not on wealth but on faith, love, and generosity.

FAQs: What Does Jesus Say About Wealth?

1. Does Jesus condemn wealth?

No, Jesus doesn’t condemn wealth itself.

His teachings focus more on the attitude toward wealth.

He warns against the love of money and the dangers of prioritizing material possessions over spiritual and moral values.

Jesus encourages people to use their wealth responsibly, be generous, and help those in need.

2. What does Jesus mean by “You cannot serve both God and money”?

In Matthew 6:24, Jesus teaches that you can’t fully commit to serving two masters.

If you devote your life to accumulating wealth, it can distract you from your spiritual duties and relationship with God.

Jesus emphasizes that your primary loyalty should be to God, not money.

3. Why did Jesus tell the rich young ruler to sell everything?

Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything and give to the poor to challenge him to examine his attachment to his wealth.

It was a test to see if the young man valued his material possessions more than his spiritual growth and relationship with God.

This story illustrates the difficulty of balancing wealth and spiritual commitments.

4. What is the lesson from the Parable of the Rich Fool?

The Parable of the Rich Fool teaches that accumulating wealth for its own sake, without regard for God or others, is ultimately meaningless.

Jesus underscores the point that life’s true value isn’t found in material abundance but in being “rich toward God.”

It’s a reminder to focus on spiritual wealth and not be consumed by material gain.

5. How does Jesus suggest we handle our worries about money and possessions?

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus encourages you not to worry about material needs because God knows and will provide what you need.

He advises focusing on seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first, trusting that everything else will follow.

This teaching highlights the importance of faith and reliance on God’s provision.

6. What does it mean to store up treasures in heaven?

Storing up treasures in heaven means investing in actions and values that have eternal significance, such as acts of kindness, faith, love, and service to others.

Jesus advises against accumulating wealth and possessions that are temporary and can be destroyed or stolen.

Instead, focus on building a legacy that aligns with spiritual and moral principles.

7. Can wealthy people enter the kingdom of God?

Yes, wealthy people can enter the kingdom of God, but Jesus acknowledges that it can be challenging.

In Mark 10:25, He says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

This statement emphasizes the potential difficulty for wealthy individuals to prioritize their spiritual life over their material wealth.

However, with God, all things are possible, including the ability to manage wealth in a way that honors Him.

8. What is the significance of the widow’s offering?

The widow’s offering, as told in Mark 12:41-44, illustrates that the value of a gift is not in its monetary amount but in the spirit of the giver.

Jesus praises the widow who gave two small coins because she gave out of her poverty, showing her complete trust and devotion to God.

This story highlights the importance of generosity and sacrificial giving.

9. How can I apply Jesus’ teachings on wealth in my life today?

You can apply Jesus’ teachings on wealth by:

Prioritizing your relationship with God over accumulating material possessions.
Being generous and using your resources to help those in need.
Investing in spiritual and moral values rather than focusing solely on financial gain.
Trusting in God’s provision and not being overly anxious about material needs.
Living a life of balance, where wealth serves as a tool for good rather than a master that controls your life.

10. What should I do if I feel torn between pursuing wealth and following Jesus?

If you feel torn between pursuing wealth and following Jesus, consider reflecting on your priorities and the purpose of your wealth.

Seek guidance through prayer, study Jesus’ teachings, and consider how you can use your resources in ways that align with your faith and values.

It might also be helpful to speak with a spiritual advisor for personalized advice and support.