Was Jesus Wealthy?
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Jesus was clearly not as rich as some of the prosperity gospel preachers quoted in the article would like Him to be. But neither was He as poor as others with other theological biases say He was, either. It is unfair to say that Mary and Joseph were homeless and therefore had to stay in a stable. Joseph had a well-established livelihood. His family were certainly not beggars. The Gospels mention that Jesus had at least a handful of donors who contributed to His ministry. The point is neither Christ’s earthly wealth or poverty. The point is that Christ left the riches of Heaven and became one of us to become our substitute. That’s what we are celebrating today.
No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel will prevail against the LORD. Proverbs 21:30
Darren,
I agree with your overall point and I am definitely in agreement that the context of the birthplace is not a reflection on the wealth or poverty of the family - the Bible gives the reason for the location and it is “because there was no room in the inn”, not a lack of funds.
I do believe, however, that a case can be made that Jesus was not middle class, but rather poor.
For instance, a few verses later (Luke 2:22-24), we are given information that points us to a poor family. We are told that the sacrifice was “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Leviticus 12:8 seems to indicates that this is the offering to be given for those who are unable to provide a lamb, generally understood to be those unable to afford a lamb.
We are also told in Mark 8:20 that “the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.”
In Matthew 17:24-27 we have the story of those that received tribute money coming to Peter and asking for tribute. In order to pay this tribute, Jesus has Peter go get the money from the mouth of a fish, which may be an indication of a lack of funds.
While it is true that there were women and others who supported the ministry, this would not be an indication that He personally had money - in fact, may imply that He did not have money, since He “needed” the help of others to provide for the funding.
Also, in 2 Corinthians 8:9 we read, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
I agree with your overall point and I am definitely in agreement that the context of the birthplace is not a reflection on the wealth or poverty of the family - the Bible gives the reason for the location and it is “because there was no room in the inn”, not a lack of funds.
I do believe, however, that a case can be made that Jesus was not middle class, but rather poor.
For instance, a few verses later (Luke 2:22-24), we are given information that points us to a poor family. We are told that the sacrifice was “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Leviticus 12:8 seems to indicates that this is the offering to be given for those who are unable to provide a lamb, generally understood to be those unable to afford a lamb.
We are also told in Mark 8:20 that “the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.”
In Matthew 17:24-27 we have the story of those that received tribute money coming to Peter and asking for tribute. In order to pay this tribute, Jesus has Peter go get the money from the mouth of a fish, which may be an indication of a lack of funds.
While it is true that there were women and others who supported the ministry, this would not be an indication that He personally had money - in fact, may imply that He did not have money, since He “needed” the help of others to provide for the funding.
Also, in 2 Corinthians 8:9 we read, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
[ Darren Mc] The point is neither Christ’s earthly wealth or poverty. The point is that Christ left the riches of Heaven and became one of us to become our substitute. That’s what we are celebrating today.Amen!
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
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