Jesus spoke more about money, poverty, and wealth than almost any other topic—not to shame the rich or glorify poverty, but to teach us how these things shape our hearts and priorities. His teachings challenge us to let go of greed, embrace generosity, and see wealth as a tool for serving others, not serving ourselves. Whether it’s the story of the rich young ruler or the widow with two coins, Jesus makes it clear: how we handle money reflects our spiritual health.
These ten teachings aren’t just ancient wisdom—they’re a direct challenge to how we live today. If you’re serious about following Jesus, you can’t ignore what He said about wealth and the poor. His words call us to live simply, give generously, and care deeply for those in need. Keep reading for a deeper dive into each teaching and what it means for your life right now.
Jesus talked about money and possessions more than almost any other topic. That might surprise you, but it’s true. Why? Because money has a way of grabbing our hearts, shaping our priorities, and defining how we treat others. Whether you’re wealthy, struggling financially, or somewhere in between, Jesus’ teachings on poverty and wealth are meant for you.
Here are 10 clear and powerful teachings from Jesus about poverty, wealth, and how we’re meant to relate to both.
1. You Can’t Serve God and Money
“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” — Matthew 6:24
This is about loyalty. Jesus makes it plain: Money wants to rule you. But if you’re serious about following God, you’ve got to choose. Serving money means chasing wealth, status, and possessions. Serving God means using what you have to love and help others.
Bottom line: You can’t worship your bank account and God at the same time.
2. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:3
Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount with this. But what does “poor in spirit” mean? It’s not just about having no money—it’s about recognizing your deep need for God. The “poor in spirit” don’t think they’ve got it all together. They’re humble, dependent, and open to God’s help.
Jesus is saying: Spiritual poverty is the starting place for real life with God.
3. Sell What You Have and Give to the Poor
“Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” — Matthew 19:21
This was Jesus’ response to a wealthy man who wanted to follow Him but couldn’t let go of his stuff. It’s a tough teaching, but it shows us something critical: Generosity is not optional. Jesus doesn’t just suggest we give—He calls us to make sacrifices for the sake of others.
If your wealth is holding you back from truly following Jesus, it’s time to loosen your grip.
4. Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21
This is a diagnostic tool for your soul. If you want to know what really matters to someone, look at where they put their time, money, and energy. Your “treasure” reveals what’s most important to you.
Ask yourself: What does my spending say about what I value?
5. The Widow’s Offering Meant More Than the Rich Gave
“She… put in two very small copper coins… but she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.” — Mark 12:42-44 (paraphrased)
Jesus noticed a poor widow giving just two coins—and praised her above the rich donors. Why? Because sacrifice matters more than size.
God isn’t impressed by big donations if they come from surplus. He’s moved by hearts willing to give even when it costs.
6. Woe to the Rich Who Ignore the Poor
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.” — Luke 6:24
Jesus doesn’t condemn wealth itself. But He does issue strong warnings to those who are rich and indifferent to suffering. In Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, the rich are warned not because they have money—but because they put their security in it instead of God.
If you’re comfortable, Jesus is asking: Are you helping those who aren’t?
7. The Rich Fool Forgot Eternity
“You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.” — Luke 12:20
Jesus told a parable about a man who built bigger barns to store all his stuff—but died that night. His mistake? He prepared for retirement but not for eternity.
Planning for the future is smart. But eternal priorities matter more than financial ones.
8. The First Will Be Last
“But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” — Matthew 19:30
In God’s economy, things are flipped. Wealth and status mean very little to Him. Those who are overlooked now—especially the poor, the humble, the faithful—will be honored in God’s kingdom.
This is good news for the poor—and a wake-up call for the wealthy.
9. Invite the Poor, the Crippled, the Lame, and the Blind
“When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.” — Luke 14:13-14
Jesus tells us to include the people the world forgets. He’s not just talking about dinner parties. He’s saying: Your generosity should go to those who can’t pay you back.
Helping those in need isn’t just charity—it’s true discipleship.
10. Whatever You Did for the Least of These… You Did for Me
“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat… I was a stranger and you invited me in…” — Matthew 25:35-40 (paraphrased)
This is one of Jesus’ most famous teachings. In the parable of the sheep and goats, Jesus identifies Himself with the poor, the sick, the imprisoned. He says how we treat them is how we treat Him.
If you want to honor Jesus, don’t just sing songs—feed the hungry. Visit the lonely. Help the poor.
Final Thoughts: What Should You Do?
If you’re wondering what to actually do with all this, here are 5 simple takeaways:
1. Check your heart.
- Do you trust God more than money?
- Do you feel anxiety when you think about giving something away?
2. Start giving.
- Even a little can make a big difference.
- Prioritize generosity in your budget.
3. Help the poor directly.
- Volunteer, donate, advocate.
- Build relationships with people who are struggling.
4. Live simply.
- You don’t need more stuff to be happy.
- Simplicity frees you to focus on what really matters.
5. Keep an eternal perspective.
- This life is short. Eternity is long.
- Store up “treasures in heaven” by loving God and others.
Jesus isn’t against wealth—but He is against selfishness, greed, and spiritual blindness. His teachings call us to open our hands, care for others, and trust God fully.
So ask yourself: Am I living like someone who follows Jesus? Or like someone who’s owned by money?
Choose wisely—because eternal things are always more valuable than earthly ones.
✅ Frequently Asked Questions: Top 10 Teachings of Jesus on Poverty and Wealth
1. What are the top 10 teachings of Jesus on poverty and wealth?
The top 10 teachings include lessons like: you can’t serve both God and money (Matt. 6:24), blessed are the poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3), sell your possessions and give to the poor (Matt. 19:21), and several others that emphasize generosity, humility, and eternal perspective over material gain.
2. Did Jesus say being rich is wrong?
No, Jesus didn’t say being rich is wrong. But He did warn that wealth can become a spiritual trap if it replaces God or causes you to ignore others in need (Luke 6:24, Matt. 19:23-24).
3. Why did Jesus talk so much about money?
Because money often reveals what we value most. Jesus taught that where your treasure is, your heart is too (Matt. 6:21). How we handle money shows whether we trust God or rely on wealth for security.
4. What does ‘blessed are the poor in spirit’ really mean?
It means recognizing your deep need for God and not relying on your own strength, status, or wealth (Matt. 5:3). It’s about spiritual humility.
5. What did Jesus mean by ‘You cannot serve God and money’?
He meant you can’t be fully devoted to God if you’re ruled by your desire for wealth. You’ll either serve one or the other—but not both (Matt. 6:24).
6. How should Christians treat the poor according to Jesus?
With compassion, dignity, and generosity. Jesus identified with the poor and said caring for them is like caring for Him (Matt. 25:40).
7. What is the lesson from the widow’s offering?
God values sacrificial giving over big donations. The poor widow gave very little materially, but it meant everything because she gave all she had (Mark 12:41–44).
8. Is saving money against Jesus’ teaching?
No, Jesus isn’t against wise planning. But He warned against hoarding wealth and forgetting eternal priorities (Luke 12:16–21).
9. How can I apply Jesus’ teachings on wealth in my life today?
Start with generosity, help those in need, live simply, and keep your trust in God—not in money. Prioritize giving over gaining.
10. What did Jesus mean by “the first will be last”?
It means God’s values are different from the world’s. The proud and powerful may be first now, but the humble and poor will be honored in God’s kingdom (Matt. 19:30).
