One thing we know for sure is that Jesus came on earth to establish the Kingdom of God and die for humanity’s sins. However, the bible records different incidences where Jesus talked about money and his views on it. This has led many bible readers to wonder, “how much did Jesus talk about money?”
Jesus had quite a lot to say about money, as different scriptures in the bible record it. While he was concerned about building the Kingdom of God and spreading the gospel, Jesus did not fail to mention earthly possessions, including money. Additionally, Jesus used some of his parables to talk about money.
So, what does Jesus say about money in the bible? Where in the bible did Jesus talk about money? How many times does Jesus preach about money? How many of Jesus’ parables talked about money? Did Jesus ask for money during his ministry? Read on to learn the answers to these questions.
What does Jesus say about money in the bible?
Jesus had a lot to say about money, and we will look into that using different scriptures. One, Jesus taught that it was better for one to have a little to himself and have a genuine heart instead of giving out part of their wealth because they have it. Mark 12:41-44 records an incident where Jesus was sitting opposite where offerings were being put in the temple treasury. Jesus watched closely as the wealthy put part of their money in the treasurer but was moved by a poor widow who gave out all the few coins she had.
Jesus also said that it is important to pay our taxes to the earthly Kings, just as we diligently serve the heavenly King. Mathew 17:27 records the time Jesus sent Peter into the Lake to fish to pay their taxes. Jesus commanded Peter to go into the Lake and throw out his line. He was then to take the first fish he caught and open its mouth, in which he was to find a four-drachma coin. He was then to use the coin to pay for his tax and that of Jesus.
Jesus also encouraged the multitudes to use their money to help those in need, as recorded in Luke 10:29-37 through the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus used this parable to show how the good Samaritan was a good neighbor after he took the man wounded on the road to an inn and even paid extra money for him to be taken care of.
Jesus also talked about the importance of planning for your money wisely to avoid ridicule from the public. This is recorded in Luke 14:28-30, where Jesus reveals that it is important to estimate the cost of the tower they want to build, to see whether they have enough money for it. Although he did not care about worldly possessions, Jesus had enough wisdom to give to his people regarding what ran their lives, money.
Where in the bible did Jesus talk about money?
There are several scriptures in the bible where Jesus talked about money. Jesus talked about money in Mathew 6:21, revealing that a person’s heart will always be where his treasures are. Treasure in this scripture has been used to represent money, as it is only through money one can acquire any wealth and treasure.
Jesus also talked about money in the gold bag parable in Mathew 25:14-30, where he taught the importance of investing or using the money we have been blessed with. In this parable, we see the master taking the one bag of gold from the servant who did not do anything with it and commands him to be thrown outside into the darkness. This is after he informed the servant he should have put his money on deposit with bankers so that it could accumulate interest by the time he returned. This scripture shows that Jesus wants us to use and plan wisely for our money.
Jesus also talked about money in Mathew 6:24, where he stated that there is no way one can serve two masters at a time, as one will end up hating one and loving the other one. Additionally, one may be devoted to one master and despise the other. With this, Jesus revealed that one could not serve both God and money fully, giving us the option to choose that more important than the other, which is the Kingdom of God.
How many times does Jesus preach about money?
We can not know the exact number of times Jesus preached about money, but scholars have agreed that there are over 2300 bible verses about money in the bible. With this, Jesus is speculated to have preached about money for at least 15% of his preaching and teachings. Jesus had different views and even advice when it came to worldly wealth and how Christians are to balance between it and the Kingdom of God.
While he used his ministry to preach on the issue of money, Jesus reminded everyone to focus on the treasures of heaven at the end and not their earthly possessions, which include money. Mathew 6:19-20 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
How many of Jesus’ parables talked about money?
According to most statistics by different theologians, Jesus talked about money in eleven to sixteen of the 39 parables he used in the New Testament. Jesus was able to use money as an illustration to tackle different topics, making them so significant to Christian’s lives. Some of the parables of Jesus that talked about money are; the parable of the hidden treasure in Mathew 13:44, the parable of the wise manager in Luke 16:1-13, the parable of the pearl of great price in Mathew 13:45-46, the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the unforgiving servant in Mathew 18:23-35, the parable of counting the cost in Luke 14:28-33 and the parable of the laborers in the vineyard in Mathew 20:1-16.
Other parables of Jesus that talked about money are the parable of the ten talents or gold coins in Luke 19:12-27, the parable of two debtors in Luke 7:41-43, the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21, the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:10-14, the parable of the lost coin in Luke 15:8-9 and the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31.
Did Jesus ask for money during his ministry?
No scripture in the bible mentions an instance where Jesus asked for money during his earthly ministry. We can only assume as the Son of God, Jesus did not concern himself too much with owning any money, as he trusted God for his provisions.
One instance that can prove Jesus did not ask for any money is in Mathew 17:27, where tax collectors came up to Jesus’ disciples and asked them if Jesus usually paid temple taxes. Instead of asking money from his disciples or people around him for the two drachmas to pay his taxes, Jesus sent Peter out into the Lake to fish and then took out the coins from a fish mouth to settle his tax. It could have been easier for Jesus to command anyone to pay his tax, but he did not.
References
What did Jesus have to say about money?
Five things Jesus said about money
why does Jesus talk about money so often?
bible verses about money: 9 biblical principles of money and possessions.
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.
