What Does Jesus Tell Us About Money?

Money is a topic that resonates deeply with everyone.

Whether you’re rich, struggling, or somewhere in between, Jesus’ teachings on money offer timeless wisdom.

In the Gospels, Jesus addresses the complexities of wealth, poverty, and how we should view our financial resources.

Let’s explore what Jesus has to say about money and how His teachings can guide us in our financial lives.

Money Isn’t the Root of All Evil

Many people misquote the Bible, saying,

“Money is the root of all evil.”

However, the actual verse is from 1 Timothy 6:10:

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

Jesus wasn’t against money itself; He was concerned about the love of money and the impact it can have on our hearts and lives.

Key Points:

Money in itself is neutral: It’s a tool that can be used for good or bad.

The danger lies in our attachment to it: When money becomes an idol, it can lead to destructive behaviors and priorities.

The Parable of the Rich Fool

In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tells the story of a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.

Instead of sharing his wealth, he decides to build bigger barns to store all his grain.

God calls him a fool, telling him that his life will be demanded of him that very night, and his riches will be left behind.

Lessons from the Parable:

Wealth can lead to complacency: The rich man focused solely on his abundance, ignoring the possibility of helping others.

Life is unpredictable: Accumulating wealth without considering the transient nature of life and the needs of others is short-sighted.

True wealth isn’t measured by possessions: It’s about being “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21), which means prioritizing our relationship with Him and our generosity toward others.

You Cannot Serve Both God and Money

In Matthew 6:24, Jesus plainly states,

“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.”

What This Means for Us:

Prioritizing God over wealth: Our primary devotion should be to God, not accumulating money.
Money should serve us, not rule us: It’s essential to manage our finances wisely, but they should not dominate our lives or values.

Give Generously

One of Jesus’ core messages is the importance of generosity.

In Matthew 6:2-4, He teaches about giving in secret and not seeking public recognition.

Jesus also praises the widow who gave two small coins, stating that she gave more than all the rich people who gave out of their wealth (Mark 12:41-44).

Principles of Generosity:

Give from the heart: It’s not the amount but the intent and sacrifice behind the giving that matters.

Support those in need: True generosity often involves giving to those who can’t repay you.

Give without expecting a reward: Jesus encourages us to give without seeking praise or return.

Trust in God’s Provision

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes trusting in God’s provision.

He tells us not to worry about our needs, using the example of how God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers (Matthew 6:25-34).

Trusting God with Your Finances:

Avoid anxiety over money: Worrying about financial security distracts us from focusing on God’s kingdom.

Seek God’s kingdom first: Jesus promises that if we prioritize His kingdom, our material needs will be met.

Live one day at a time: Focusing on today’s needs and trusting God for tomorrow cultivates a peaceful and content heart.

Wealth and the Kingdom of God

Jesus often spoke about the challenges that wealth presents in entering the Kingdom of God.

In Matthew 19:24, He famously said, “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.”

Understanding This Challenge:

Wealth can be a stumbling block: Riches can create a false sense of security and self-sufficiency.

Humility is essential: Recognizing our dependence on God is crucial, regardless of our financial status.

Wealth isn’t inherently bad: It’s our attitude toward it and how we use it that matters.

Paying Taxes and Honoring Obligations

When questioned about paying taxes, Jesus responded,

“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17).

This teaches us about fulfilling our civic duties and obligations while also honoring our commitment to God.

Practical Takeaways:

Be responsible with obligations: Pay your taxes and debts faithfully.

Balance between civic and spiritual responsibilities: Fulfill your earthly duties without compromising your devotion to God.

Practical Steps to Apply Jesus’ Teachings on Money

Here’s how you can apply Jesus’ teachings on money in your daily life:

1. Evaluate Your Attitude Toward Money

Are you obsessed with making more?

Do you find yourself anxious about finances?

2. Practice Generosity

Regularly donate to causes you care about.

Support those in need without expecting anything in return.

3. Trust in God’s Provision

Spend time in prayer, asking for God’s guidance in your financial decisions.

Reflect on how God has provided for you in the past.

4. Use Money Wisely

Create a budget and stick to it.

Avoid unnecessary debt and live within your means.

5. Focus on Eternal Values

Invest in relationships, community, and spiritual growth.

Remember that material wealth is temporary, but spiritual riches last forever.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings on money aren’t about condemning wealth but about guiding us to use it wisely and keeping our priorities in check.

By embracing generosity, trusting in God’s provision, and using our resources responsibly, we can align our financial lives with the values of the Kingdom of God. Remember, it’s not about how much you have, but how you handle what you’ve been given.

FAQs: What Does Jesus Tell Us About Money?

1. Is money itself considered evil according to Jesus?

No, money itself isn’t evil. Jesus taught that it’s the love of money, not money itself, that can lead to evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

The real issue is our attachment and obsession with wealth.

2. What does Jesus say about storing up wealth?

Jesus warns against storing up earthly treasures and emphasizes the importance of being “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

He encourages us to focus on spiritual wealth and be generous with our resources.

3. How does Jesus suggest we handle our financial anxieties?

Jesus advises us not to worry about our material needs (Matthew 6:25-34).

He teaches that we should trust in God’s provision and focus on seeking His kingdom first, assuring us that our needs will be taken care of.

4. Can rich people enter the Kingdom of God?

While Jesus acknowledges that wealth can make it challenging to enter the Kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24), He also states that with God, all things are possible.

The key is not letting wealth become an obstacle to our faith and humility.

5. Why did Jesus praise the poor widow’s offering?

Jesus praised the poor widow because she gave all she had, even though it was just two small coins (Mark 12:41-44).

Her offering demonstrated true sacrifice and trust in God, unlike the rich who gave out of their surplus.

6. What should our attitude be towards giving, according to Jesus?

Jesus encourages us to give generously and without seeking recognition (Matthew 6:2-4).

The spirit of giving should be one of selflessness and concern for others, not about getting praise or returns.

7. How should we balance our responsibilities to God and our civic duties?

Jesus teaches that we should “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17).

This means we should fulfill our civic responsibilities, such as paying taxes, while also honoring our commitments to God.

8. What practical steps can I take to follow Jesus’ teachings on money?

Evaluate your attitude toward money: Are you overly focused on accumulating wealth?

Practice generosity: Regularly give to those in need and support charitable causes.
Trust in God’s provision: Spend time in prayer and reflect on how God has provided for you.
Use money wisely: Create a budget, avoid unnecessary debt, and live within your means.
Focus on eternal values: Invest in relationships, community, and spiritual growth rather than just material possessions.

9. Does Jesus’ teaching on money mean we shouldn’t save or invest?

Jesus’ teachings don’t discourage saving or investing responsibly.

The focus is on ensuring that our pursuit of wealth doesn’t overshadow our relationship with God or our generosity towards others.

10. How can I ensure my financial practices align with Jesus’ teachings?

Regularly assess your financial priorities to ensure they align with values of generosity, trust in God, and responsible stewardship.

Seek guidance through prayer and consider how your financial decisions impact your spiritual life and the well-being of others.