You might’ve heard the phrase, “The poor will always be with you,” and wondered if Jesus really said that. It’s a powerful statement that often comes up in discussions about poverty, social justice, and charity. Let’s dive into what Jesus actually said and what it means for us today.
What Did Jesus Say About the Poor?
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me” (Matthew 26:11, NIV). This statement is echoed in Mark 14:7 and John 12:8. But what was the context?
The Setting: Anointing at Bethany
This statement happens during a significant event known as the Anointing at Bethany. Jesus is at the home of Simon the leper, and a woman (identified as Mary, sister of Lazarus, in John’s account) anoints Him with expensive perfume. The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, criticize her, arguing the perfume could’ve been sold to help the poor. Jesus responds by highlighting the importance of her act of worship and the urgency of His impending crucifixion.
Understanding the Context
When Jesus says, “The poor you will always have with you,” He’s referencing 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 your land.”
Why Reference Deuteronomy?
In Deuteronomy, God acknowledges the reality of poverty but commands generosity and compassion. Jesus’s reference is a call to continuous, heartfelt action towards the poor, not a resignation to their plight. It underscores a dual message:
- Continuous Care for the Poor: We’re called to ongoing charity and support for those in need.
- Unique Moment: Jesus’s presence on Earth was a unique, once-in-history event that warranted special attention.
Jesus’s Ministry and the Poor
Jesus’s entire ministry emphasized care for the marginalized and poor. He wasn’t dismissing their needs; in fact, He was reinforcing the importance of caring for them.
Examples from Jesus’s Ministry
- Feeding the 5,000: Jesus feeds a massive crowd with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). This miracle shows His compassion and concern for physical needs.
- Healing the Sick and Lame: Many of those Jesus healed were poor and outcast. He restored their health and dignity (Luke 4:18-19).
- Parable of the Good Samaritan: Jesus teaches the importance of caring for anyone in need, regardless of social boundaries (Luke 10:25-37).
Jesus’s Parables on Wealth and Poverty
- Rich Man and Lazarus: Jesus tells of a rich man who ignored a poor man named Lazarus at his gate. After their deaths, Lazarus is comforted in heaven, while the rich man suffers in hell (Luke 16:19-31). The story underscores the eternal significance of how we treat the poor.
- The Widow’s Offering: Jesus praises a poor widow who gives two small coins—all she has—highlighting her sacrificial giving and trust in God (Mark 12:41-44).
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
Jesus’s words about the poor invite us to examine our attitudes and actions. They challenge us to balance two truths:
- Poverty is a Persistent Issue: Jesus acknowledges the ongoing presence of poverty, reminding us it’s a complex, enduring reality.
- Call to Action: His teachings consistently call us to action, urging generosity, compassion, and advocacy for the poor.
Practical Steps to Help the Poor
Here are some ways you can make a difference:
- Donate Regularly: Support charities and organizations that work to alleviate poverty.
- Volunteer Your Time: Engage with local shelters, food banks, or community programs.
- Advocate for Change: Use your voice to support policies and initiatives that address systemic causes of poverty.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about poverty issues and raise awareness in your community.
Balancing Worship and Service
Just as the woman in Bethany showed devotion to Jesus, we’re called to balance worship with active service. Our spiritual lives should fuel our passion to serve others.
Addressing Common Misunderstandings
It’s easy to misinterpret Jesus’s statement as a justification for inaction. However, understanding the context reveals:
- Jesus Didn’t Dismiss the Poor: He emphasized their ongoing need and our responsibility to care for them.
- Priority of Worship: Jesus highlighted the importance of recognizing His unique role and timing, not minimizing the need to serve others.
Final Thoughts
Jesus’s statement that “the poor will always be with you” is a profound reminder of the ongoing reality of poverty and our perpetual duty to act. It’s not a call to complacency but a call to continuous, compassionate action.
Remember, your efforts—whether small or large—can have a significant impact. As we live out our faith, let’s strive to honor both our devotion to Jesus and our responsibility to care for those in need.
Key Takeaways
- Poverty is Enduring: Jesus acknowledged the persistent presence of the poor.
- Call to Action: We’re called to continuous care and support for the poor.
- Balance Worship and Service: Our faith should inspire both devotion and practical help for others.
Reflect and Act
Consider how you can apply these principles in your life. Whether through giving, volunteering, or advocating, there’s always a way to help. As Jesus said, “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, NIV).
FAQs: Did Jesus Say There Will Always Be Poor?
1. What did Jesus mean by “The poor you will always have with you”?
Jesus was referencing Deuteronomy 15:11, acknowledging the persistent presence of poverty and highlighting the importance of continuous generosity and care for the poor. His statement emphasizes the need for ongoing action and compassion towards those in need.
2. Where in the Bible does Jesus say, “The poor you will always have with you”?
Jesus makes this statement in three Gospels: Matthew 26:11, Mark 14:7, and John 12:8. Each instance occurs during the Anointing at Bethany when a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, leading to a discussion about the use of resources.
3. Does this statement mean we shouldn’t try to eradicate poverty?
Not at all. Jesus’s statement isn’t a call to complacency. Instead, it underscores the reality that poverty will always exist, which necessitates ongoing efforts to alleviate it. We’re encouraged to continuously support and help those in need through our actions and generosity.
4. How did Jesus help the poor during His ministry?
Jesus helped the poor through miracles, teachings, and direct acts of compassion. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and consistently advocated for the marginalized. His ministry demonstrated a profound concern for the well-being of the poor.
5. Why did Jesus mention the poor in the context of the Anointing at Bethany?
Jesus highlighted the unique and fleeting nature of His earthly presence, suggesting that the woman’s act of worship was timely and significant. However, He wasn’t minimizing the importance of helping the poor; rather, He was balancing the immediate importance of His impending crucifixion with the ongoing need to care for the poor.
6. How can we apply Jesus’s teachings about the poor in our lives today?
We can apply His teachings by:
- Regularly donating to charities that support the poor.
- Volunteering our time to help those in need.
- Advocating for policies that address systemic poverty.
- Educating ourselves and raising awareness about poverty issues.
7. Is it possible to balance worship and service to the poor?
Yes, it’s essential to balance both. Worship should inspire us to serve others, and our acts of service are a reflection of our faith. Jesus’s life and teachings encourage us to integrate our devotion to God with practical acts of kindness and support for those in need.
8. Did Jesus dismiss the importance of helping the poor?
No, Jesus didn’t dismiss the importance of helping the poor. His entire ministry was focused on compassion and support for the marginalized. His statement in the context of the Anointing at Bethany was to highlight the unique significance of that moment, not to downplay the need for continuous care for the poor.
9. What are some biblical examples of Jesus’s concern for the poor?
Some examples include:
- Feeding the 5,000: Demonstrating His care for the physical needs of the hungry (Matthew 14:13-21).
- Healing the Sick: Restoring health and dignity to the marginalized (Luke 4:18-19).
- Parable of the Good Samaritan: Teaching the importance of caring for anyone in need (Luke 10:25-37).
10. How does the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus relate to Jesus’s teachings on poverty?
The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) illustrates the eternal significance of how we treat the poor. It emphasizes that ignoring the needs of the poor has severe consequences, while showing compassion and care aligns with God’s will.
11. Can our small efforts make a difference in addressing poverty?
Absolutely. Every effort counts, whether it’s donating, volunteering, or advocating for change. Jesus taught that even small acts of kindness and generosity are valuable and significant in the eyes of God.
12. What is the overall message of Jesus’s statement about the poor?
The overall message is twofold: acknowledging the ongoing reality of poverty and calling for continuous, compassionate action to support and uplift those in need. It’s a reminder to integrate our faith with practical efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of the poor.
