12 Things Jesus Said About Money

Money. It’s something we all think about, deal with, and often stress over.

But did you know that Jesus had a lot to say about money?

In fact, his teachings are packed with wisdom that can transform how we view and handle our finances.

Whether you’re looking to understand how to manage your money better or curious about what Jesus taught on this topic, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s dive into 12 things Jesus said about money and see how his words can guide us today.

#1. Money Isn’t Evil, But the Love of It Can Be Dangerous

Jesus never condemned money itself.

It’s not money that’s the problem; it’s our attitude towards it.

In Matthew 6:24, Jesus 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.”

Jesus warns that an obsession with money can pull us away from a faithful life.

It’s a reminder to keep our priorities straight and not let the pursuit of wealth dominate our hearts.

#2. Generosity is Key

Jesus emphasized giving repeatedly.

In Luke 6:38, he said:

“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 isn’t just about helping others; it enriches your own life.

When you give freely, you often find blessings coming back to you in unexpected ways.

#3. Store Treasures in Heaven

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus talks about where we should place our true value:

“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.”

Jesus reminds us that earthly wealth is temporary. He encourages us to focus on what’s eternal – acts of love, faith, and kindness that build spiritual wealth.

#4. Be Content with What You Have

Contentment is a recurring theme in Jesus’ teachings.

In Luke 12:15, he warns:

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

We often chase after more, thinking it’ll bring happiness.

But Jesus teaches that true contentment doesn’t come from what we own. It comes from knowing and trusting God.

#5. Use Money Wisely

In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the importance of using our resources wisely.

Each servant is given money to manage, and the ones who invest it well are rewarded.

The one who hides his money out of fear is punished.

The lesson? Be smart and proactive with your resources. Use them to create value and serve others, not just to hoard or waste.

#6. Wealth Can Be a Spiritual Obstacle

Jesus often highlighted the challenges wealth can bring.

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.”

Wealth can make us self-reliant and less dependent on God.

It’s not that being rich is inherently bad, but the more we have, the harder it can be to keep our trust and reliance on God.

#7. Money Shouldn’t Define Your Identity

In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, who builds bigger barns to store his surplus grain, only to die that night.

Jesus concludes:

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Your identity and worth shouldn’t come from your financial status but from your relationship with God and how you live your life.

#8. Support Those in Need

Jesus was always advocating for the poor.

In Matthew 25:40, he says:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Helping those in need isn’t just an act of kindness; it’s a way of serving Jesus himself.

He calls us to be generous and compassionate towards the less fortunate.

#9. Avoid Greed and Materialism

In Luke 12:15, Jesus cautions:

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Greed leads to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction.

Jesus invites us to find joy and fulfillment in relationships and in spiritual richness, rather than material wealth.

#10. Trust God for Your Needs

One of the most comforting things Jesus said is found in Matthew 6:31-33:

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Jesus encourages us to trust that God will provide for our needs. When we put God first, everything else falls into place.

#11. Don’t Let Money Corrupt You

In the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), we see how money can corrupt, but also how redemption is possible.

Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, was known for his dishonest practices.

But after meeting Jesus, he repents and decides to give half his wealth to the poor and repay anyone he’s cheated fourfold.

Jesus said to him:

“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.”

This story shows that it’s never too late to turn away from the corrupting influence of money and seek a righteous path.

#12. Money Should Be a Tool, Not a Master

Ultimately, Jesus wants us to see money as a tool to be used wisely, not a master to be served. In Luke 16:9, he says:

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”

Use your resources to build relationships, to help others, and to further good causes. Money should serve your purpose, not the other way around.

Wrapping Up

Jesus’ teachings on money are timeless.

They encourage us to be generous, to trust in God’s provision, and to use our resources wisely.

By embracing these principles, we can find a healthier, more balanced relationship with money.

Remember, it’s not about how much you have, but how you use what you have that truly matters.

FAQs: What Did Jesus Say About Money?

1. Why did Jesus talk so much about money?

Jesus often talked about money because it’s a significant part of our lives that can influence our priorities, relationships, and spiritual well-being.

His teachings help us understand how to handle money wisely and maintain a healthy balance between material wealth and spiritual values.

2. Is money inherently bad according to Jesus?

No, Jesus didn’t say that money itself is bad.

However, he warned against the dangers of loving money too much and letting it become more important than our relationship with God and others.

3. How does Jesus suggest we use our money?

Jesus encourages us to use our money for good: to help those in need, to be generous, and to invest in things that have eternal value.

He also advises us to be wise and proactive in managing our resources.

4. What does “You cannot serve both God and money” mean?

This phrase from Matthew 6:24 means that our loyalty can’t be divided between serving God and being consumed by the pursuit of wealth.

If we prioritize money over God, it can lead us away from our faith and spiritual well-being.

5. How can I balance being financially successful and spiritually faithful?

Balancing financial success and spiritual faithfulness involves managing your resources responsibly, being generous, and not letting money define your identity.

It’s about using your wealth to serve others and staying grounded in your faith and values.

6. What did Jesus mean by “Store treasures in heaven”?

When Jesus talked about storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21), he meant focusing on spiritual and eternal investments rather than accumulating material wealth.

Acts of kindness, love, and faith are the treasures that have lasting value.

7. Does Jesus’ teaching discourage planning for the future or saving money?

No, Jesus’ teachings don’t discourage planning or saving.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) actually encourages wise use of resources.

It’s about having a balanced approach where you plan and save but also remain generous and trust in God’s provision.

8. How can I follow Jesus’ teaching on being content with what I have?

Contentment comes from trusting God and finding joy in your current circumstances rather than constantly seeking more.

Practicing gratitude, focusing on relationships, and minimizing the desire for material possessions can help you live more contentedly.

9. Why did Jesus say it’s hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God?

Jesus said this (Mark 10:25) to highlight how wealth can create a false sense of security and self-reliance, making it harder to depend on God.

It’s a reminder that wealth should be a tool, not the master of our lives.

10. What should I do if I feel I’m too focused on money?

If you feel overly focused on money, reflect on your priorities and consider ways to shift your focus towards generosity, service, and spiritual growth.

Practicing regular giving, helping those in need, and simplifying your lifestyle can help realign your focus.

11. How can I be generous when I don’t have much money?

Generosity isn’t just about the amount of money you give; it’s about the heart and intent behind your giving.

You can be generous with your time, skills, and kindness.

Even small acts of giving can have a big impact.

12. Can I still be wealthy and follow Jesus’ teachings?

Yes, you can be wealthy and still follow Jesus’ teachings.

The key is to manage your wealth wisely, remain humble, be generous, and ensure that your financial success doesn’t become more important than your spiritual health and values.