Though Jesus focused on preaching the good news, his ministry needed finances. This topic is worth discussing since people have different views regarding how Jesus financed his ministry. Some wonder, did Jesus accept money?
The Bible suggests that Jesus did not ask for money in the form of offerings or tithes from anyone. However, he accepted monetary donations from well-wishers like Mary Magdalene and Joanna, as explained in Luke 8:1-3. Jesus also depended on God for sustenance (Matthew 6:25-34)
What did Jesus say about money? How did Jesus support his ministry? Did Jesus ask for tithes and offerings during his ministry? These are some of the questions that this article will address. Read on to find out more!
What did Jesus say about money?
Jesus talked about money to teach us about where our priorities should be. For instance, he taught us not to invest all of our time in accumulating earthly possessions that will perish. This is explained in Matthew 6:19, which says, Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store 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 also be.
Jesus also taught that the wealthy should share their possessions with the poor. He said this when a young man approached him and asked him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus said, Go sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me (Mark 10:21).
In Mark 10:25, Jesus further said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. He also warned people about one of the negative effects of money. Luke 12:15 says, Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist of an abundance of possessions.
How did Jesus support his ministry?
Jesus got donations from some of his supporters. Luke 8:2-3 suggests that some women supported his ministry. These verses says, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene from who seven demons had gone out and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna and many others, who provided from them out of their means.
Biblical scholars believe that Jesus may have gotten donations from Joseph of Arimathea. He was a wealthy man who was a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 27:57). The Bible also suggests that Jesus and his disciples relied on the hospitality of others. As they traveled preaching the Gospel, they stayed in the homes of strangers (Luke 10:5-9). Matthew 14:13-21 implies that Jesus also prayed to his Father for sustenance whenever they were far from town to buy food.
Did Jesus ask for tithes and offerings during his ministry?
There is nowhere in the Bible that mentions Jesus asking for tithes and offerings during his public ministry. However, Jesus welcomed donations from people that gave freely. Luke 8:1-3 suggests that Jesus did not ask for offerings to enrich himself but welcomed donations to sustain his ministry.
Additionally, Jesus did not support his ministry using tithes. God had reserved tithes for the tribe of Levi (Leviticus 6:1-23), and Jesus came from the tribe of Judah (Matthew 1:1-6).
Did Jesus give money to the poor?
People have contradicting views regarding this. Some Theologians argue that John 13:29 speculates Jesus gave money to the poor. This verse says, Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival or to give something to the poor.
Other people argue that Jesus did not do this since he was not wealthy. Matthew 8:20 even suggests that Jesus did not have a place to lay his head. The Bible clarifies that Jesus cared for the poor since he talked about it a lot in his teachings.
In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus said that anyone who showed mercy to the poor, needy, and sick was ministering to him personally and would be rewarded. He also taught people to invite the poor to their luncheons since they would be blessed (Luke 14:12-14).
What did Jesus do with the money given to him and his disciples?
Some Theologians assume that John 13:29 implies that Jesus used the money that he was given to give to the poor and buy what was needed.
The Bible suggests that Jesus gave the responsibility of carrying the money bag to Judas, who eventually stole from it (John 12:4-6). This shows that Jesus was not overly concerned about how much he got from donations since his main purpose was to spread the Gospel. He himself said You cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24).
Did Jesus have any sources of income?
Jesus did not have any source of income. He depended on God’s favor through the acts of gracious people of God across different towns. This is evident through the words he said to the disciples when he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God, explained in Luke 9:3-5.
Since Jesus is God, he miraculously provided for himself and for others. This is evident from the story where Jesus paid for the temple tax in Capernaum miraculously (Matthew 17:24-27).
Additionally, some people that Jesus delivered were generous with their wealth, food, and houses. For instance, when Jesus called Levi to be his disciple, the Bible says that he welcomed him to his house and gave him food (Mark 2:13- 15).
References
- Investing in Jesus’ work (Luke 8:3, 10:7)
- What does the Bible say about giving to the poor?
- Levi (Matthew) Called
- Jesus and Wealth in the Book of Luke
- The Context of Jesus’ career
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
