Does Jesus Want Us to Have Money?

When thinking about Jesus’ teachings, many wonder how He viewed wealth and money.

It’s a topic that has stirred debate and contemplation among Christians for centuries.

So, let’s dive in and explore what Jesus said about money and how it fits into our lives today.

What Did Jesus Say About Money?

Jesus talked a lot about money in the Gospels.

In fact, money is mentioned more than 800 times in the Bible.

Jesus used parables, direct teachings, and real-life examples to convey His message about wealth and how we should view it.

Key Teachings

Here are some key teachings of Jesus regarding money:

Money Should Not Be Your Master: One of Jesus’ most famous teachings on money is found in Matthew 6:24, where He says,

“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.”

Here, Jesus emphasizes that money should not control us. It’s about priorities; God should always come first.

The Rich Young Ruler: In Matthew 19:16-22, Jesus meets a rich young man who asks how to inherit eternal life.

Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, which he claims to have done. But when Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, the man walks away sad because he had great wealth.

This story highlights the challenge wealth can pose in truly following Jesus.

The Widow’s Offering: In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus points out a poor widow who gives two very small coins, noting that she gave more than the wealthy because she gave all she had.

This teaches us that it’s not the amount we give, but the heart and sacrifice behind it that matter to God.

The Parable of the Talents: In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells a story about a master who gives his servants different amounts of money to manage.

The servants who wisely invest and grow the money are praised, while the one who hides it out of fear is reprimanded.

This parable shows that God expects us to use the resources He gives us wisely and productively.

Is Money Bad?

Money itself isn’t evil.

It’s a tool, and like any tool, its value depends on how it’s used.

The Bible doesn’t condemn money but warns against the love of money.

The Love of Money

Paul, in his letter to Timothy, writes, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).

Notice, it’s not money that’s the problem, but the love of it.

When we prioritize wealth over everything else, it can lead us astray.

Wealth and Generosity

Jesus often encourages generosity.

He tells us in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you.

A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.

For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Generosity is a key part of Jesus’ teaching on money.

It’s about using what we have to bless others and trust that God will provide for us.

Can Christians Be Wealthy?

There’s no biblical mandate that Christians must be poor.

Many faithful followers in the Bible were wealthy, like Abraham, Job, and King Solomon.

What matters is how we handle our wealth and where our true treasure lies.

The Right Perspective on Wealth

Jesus teaches that our true treasure isn’t on earth but in heaven.

In Matthew 6:19-21, He says,

“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… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Wealth should be seen as a means to an end, not the end itself.

It’s about using what we have to serve God and others, not accumulating it for selfish gain.

Practical Tips for Managing Money as a Christian

Jesus’ teachings give us a framework for managing our finances.

Here are some practical tips:

Prioritize Giving: Make generosity a core part of your budget.

Whether it’s tithing to your church or supporting causes that align with your values, giving should come first.

Live Within Your Means: Avoid debt and live below your means.

Jesus teaches us contentment and warns against the desire for more and more (Luke 12:15).

Save Wisely: Proverbs 21:20 says, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”

Saving for the future is wise, but it shouldn’t replace our trust in God.

Invest in Eternity: Use your resources to make a difference in God’s kingdom.

Support ministries, help those in need, and be generous with your time and talents as well as your money.

Seek Contentment: Paul says in Philippians 4:12, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”

Contentment is about finding joy in what you have and trusting God for what you need.

Conclusion: Balance and Trust

In the end, Jesus wants us to have a balanced view of money.

It’s not wrong to have money or to enjoy the fruits of our labor. What matters is how we view and use our resources.

Are we using them to honor God and help others? Are we trusting God above all else?

By keeping our priorities in line with Jesus’ teachings, we can handle money in a way that pleases God and brings true fulfillment.

Remember, wealth can be a blessing, but the greatest treasures are those that last forever.

FAQs: Does Jesus Want Us to Have Money?

1. What does Jesus say about money?

Jesus speaks extensively about money in the Gospels. Key teachings include:

Money Should Not Be Your Master: (Matthew 6:24) You can’t serve both God and money.
Generosity and Sacrifice: Jesus praises the poor widow who gives all she has (Mark 12:41-44).
Use Resources Wisely: The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) emphasizes wise and productive use of money.

2. Is money itself evil according to Jesus?

No, money itself isn’t evil.

It’s the love of money that can lead to evil, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:10.

Jesus warns against letting money become an idol or a primary focus in our lives.

3. Can Christians be wealthy?

Yes, Christians can be wealthy.

There are no biblical restrictions against having wealth.

However, the focus should be on how you manage your wealth and whether you prioritize God and generosity over accumulating money.

4. How should Christians manage their money?

Christians are encouraged to:

Prioritize Giving: Start with generosity and tithing.
Live Within Means: Avoid unnecessary debt and excessive spending.
Save Wisely: Prepare for the future without hoarding.
Invest in Eternal Values: Use resources to support God’s work and help others.
Seek Contentment: Find joy in what you have and trust God for your needs.

5. What’s the difference between money and the love of money?

Money is a neutral tool that can be used for good or bad.

The love of money refers to an unhealthy attachment or obsession with acquiring and keeping wealth, often leading to greed and unethical behavior.

Jesus and Paul caution against making money your ultimate pursuit.

6. Does Jesus want us to give away all our money?

Jesus doesn’t ask everyone to give away all their money, but He does challenge us to be generous and not let wealth become our priority.

The story of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22) is a specific example highlighting the dangers of placing wealth above following Jesus.

7. What does “storing up treasures in heaven” mean?

“Storing up treasures in heaven” means focusing on spiritual and eternal values rather than material possessions.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21 that what we do for God and others has eternal significance, unlike earthly wealth which is temporary.

8. How can wealth impact my spiritual life?

Wealth can be a blessing if used wisely and generously, but it can also be a hindrance if it leads to greed, selfishness, or a focus away from God.

Jesus warns that it’s hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:23-24), highlighting the potential spiritual dangers of wealth.

9. Why does Jesus emphasize generosity so much?

Generosity reflects God’s character and shows love for others.

Jesus teaches that when you give, it’s an act of worship and faith, trusting that God will meet your needs (Luke 6:38).

Generosity also helps detach our hearts from materialism and aligns us with God’s purposes.

10. How can I ensure I’m not serving money?

To avoid serving money, focus on:

Putting God First: Prioritize your relationship with God over material pursuits.
Practicing Generosity: Regularly give and support causes that align with your values.
Living Simply: Avoid the constant pursuit of more and be content with what you have.
Trusting in God’s Provision: Believe that God will take care of your needs as you seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).