Seven reasons why Jesus was not poor
Jesus is the Christians example
In a world filled with Christians who are not sure if pursuing or having wealth is wrong, the scripture has some things to say about this subject. Jesus is the Christians example that should be followed and if money was a major part of Jesus' life, then one does not need to feel guilty for having it. Many people feel that money will ruin their character, but if that is the case, one should take a pay cut and become more spiritual (smile). The truth is that God measures our character concerning money by what we do with it at this very moment. If we pay God the tithe now...then we will if we have plenty. If we give to the poor now...then we will do the same with much. Measure what you would do if you had a lot of money by what you are doing right now with what you have.
Reason #1 - A poor man's wisdom is despised
When Jesus came on the scene at the beginning of his ministry, his words were not like the teachers of the day, because most of the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees was hypocritical and burden ridden. Jesus taught as one that had authority so much so until he could gain the attention of thousands without flyers or a microphone. His audiences were so spellbound at his words that even his critics had to show up to see what was going on. The wisdom that flowed from his mouth gained the attention of his listeners in the sermon on the mount in Matt. chapter 5. Again crowds thronged him at the lake in Luke chapter 5 so much so until Jesus needed to borrow Peters boat and thrust out a little from the land to keep a mob from thronging him. All of this popularity proves that Jesus had money because proverbs says ...a poor mans wisdom is despised, which means a poor person may have something of importance to say, but because he or she has nothing to show for it, their wisdom is not listened to. Even today people are drawn to people who have money, they will celebrate them, support them and advertise by word of mouth about them because of money. Even in Christian circles, some celebrities are given a platform when they have just become born again when they really have nothing to say being novices.
People have a tendency to listen to those who have something to show for it
Reason # 2 - Jesus was given a trust fund
Matthew 2:11 shows why Jesus was not poor , because as a baby he had treasures opened unto him and was given Gold Frankincense and Myrrh. Tradition shows that there were three wise men, but that is not true because the bible says "wise men", this could be from two at the least to an unlimited number of wise men all presenting to Jesus their treasures. Tradition also says the wise men came into the stable, when in Matthew 2:11 the bible says ...and when they were come into the "HOUSE". The poor Jesus theory says Jesus did not have a home but had to remain in the stable, when in fact they were in a house some two years later because he was no longer a newborn babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, but Matthew 2:11 says "young child". The only reason Jesus was born in the stable was because there was no room in the inn, not because Mary and Joseph did not have any money; they went to buy a room, but there was no more room in the inn.
Jesus was given Gold Frankincense and Myrrh as a baby
Reason # 3 - Jesus had women and others to fund his ministry (Luke 8:3)
In Luke 8 certain women supported the ministry of Jesus, and certain women which had been healed of evil spirits of infirmities, Mary called Magdalene out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Suzanna, and many others which ministered unto him of their substance. These people supported Jesus because they were grateful for what he had done for them. Jesus did not charge for his divine services for he says freely you have received so freely give, but neither did he refuse support because he knew that his ministry would not only be blessed, but the giver would also receive back again for what they had given (Luke 6:38).
Reason # 4 - Jesus had a treasurer (John 12:6 - John 13:29)
Any big organization in today's times will have a treasurer; there would be no need to have one if all the organization had was $3.54. Not only did Jesus have big money, but he had to have enough to continue to replenish what was being stolen out of it because his treasurer Judas was a thief and the disciples had no idea that money was being taken.
Jesus had a thief as treasurer which makes it even more of a reason why Jesus was not poor
Reason # 5 - Jesus not only paid his taxes, but he paid Peter's taxes also
Tax collectors in Jesus day were disliked because many times they would become rich by cheating the tax payers. In Luke 19 there was a tax collector named Zaccheus who went through great extremes to see Jesus. Because he was short of stature he climbed up into a tree to see Jesus, but Jesus told him to come down because he must abide at his house. Jesus changed the tax collectors life and he pledged to restore 4 fold to any that he had cheated. It was these type of transactions in Jesus day that caused many of the people to despise the tax collectors, but when Peter was approached and asked did his master pay tribute...Peter answered with a convincing yes. If Jesus never paid his taxes then Peter would have hesitated and tried to get away from the question. So Jesus was a taxpayer. He also said to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars, and unto God the things that are God's.
Reason # 6 - He was not in debt
Because Jesus was the word who became flesh and dwelt with mankind (John 1) he kept his own word which by the way is the bible. He said in John 14:6... I am the way the truth (word) and the life,he said in John 17:17 that His word is truth, so we can conclude that Jesus who was sinless kept the word of God 100%. Jesus never allowed himself to become debtor to anyone because his word says to owe no man nothing but to love. Have you ever noticed how hard it is to love people you owe? the bill collectors, phone calls, harassments, etc. Jesus remained free from debt, so that he could be free to love mankind, so much so, that he gave his life. He says greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends and in referring to himself he says you are my friends if you do whatsoever I command. The Lord will never be indebted to mankind because he says in Proverbs, he that gives to the poor, LENDS to the Lord and that which he hath given will HE PAY HIM AGAIN.
Jesus never bounced a check...(smile)
Jesus was not poor because the favor of God was on his life (Luke 2:52)
Favor is more than money, in fact favor can take one where money cannot and it was this ability that was on his life. Favor allowed the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish which multiplied and fed 5000 men. Money would not have helped because they were in a desert place. Money was not needed when Jesus told Peter where to throw his nets again (Luke 5). He caught two boat loads of fish without money.
Jesus was not poor because he was at his place of assignment
There is always provision from God when we are in the place he sends us (Luke 22:35) finds the Disciples provided for when they were where Jesus sent them.
- Jesus was not poor because he was obedient to the Father, Deut. 28 says if thou will hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God...all these blessings shall come on thee...(for the list of blessings read Deut. 28)
- Jesus was not poor because he was a giver and the blessing of a giver can be found in Luke 6:38
- Jesus was not poor because the earth belongs to him anyway, the bible says that the earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof and they that dwell therein