Was Jesus a rich or poor man, when on earth?

[blueluna5]

I watched a pastor on YouTube explain how Jesus was actually very rich when on earth. He made a lot of valid points and basically I feel like I've been lied to again.

The reasons are as follow:

1. Mary was a descendent of king David and therefore had generational wealth.
2. Staying in a manger was because there was no room, NOT no money.
3. Wise men brought his the best riches in those days.
4. King Herod felt threatened because rumors of another rich king (aka Jesus) was born and he ordered to kill all babies under 2 for it. Makes way more sense if Jesus was rich.
5. Mary was told at the wedding there was no more wine. Why go to her and Jesus? They didn't know he could turn water into wine as he had never done that. They would go to rich people who could afford to help.
6. Jesus had 12 disciples with families follow him. Would they just let their families starve?
7. Joseph was a carpenter and it was a highly respected occupation back then. Plus he was "the" carpenter indicating he was very good at what he did.
8. Jesus had a treasurer. Poor people don't need treasurers.
9. The Roman soldiers cut the cloth of Jesus's clothes and divided it among themselves indicating value. They couldn't cut the outer coat bc it was seamless and made of 1 piece. It was designed for kings to wear.
10. Thousands of people would not follow someone poor. Knowing people, I just don't see this happening. How could he help them if he couldn't help himself?

What do you think? Is Jesus rich or poor?

Even deeper... if he was/is rich, why the big cover up? Why do they not want the children of God to know he was rich on earth?

 

[jb]

2Cor 8v9….

 

[turbosixx]

He was poor but not totally destitute. When He needed money to pay the temple tax, He got it out of a fish's mouth.

 

[MsMediator]

2Cor 8v9….

What's your intepretation of this verse?

 

[blueluna5]

He was poor but not totally destitute. When He needed money to pay the temple tax, He got it out of a fish's mouth.

You forgot the important part though.

“What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?”

26 “From others,” Peter answered.

“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

So Jesus isn't saying they don't have it. He's implying they are children of a king and therfore don't need to pay taxes. But had it come from a fish to "not cause offense."

If anything this reinforces the same idea about Jesus being a rich king and basically saying why should we have to pay taxes. The Lord is the king and all the richest belong to him and his children. That riches in the world belong to the children of God.

 

[Cameron143]

Matthew 8:20...foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head...
Few people know what it like to live in the provision of God. Jesus was poor by human standards, but He was rich in understanding. He knew that all His needs would be met through God.
His poverty was also part of the humiliation required to qualify Him as Messiah. I believe this is spoken of in Isaiah 53-55, as well as other places.

 

[gb9]

I watched a pastor on YouTube explain how Jesus was actually very rich when on earth. He made a lot of valid points and basically I feel like I've been lied to again.

The reasons are as follow:

1. Mary was a descendent of king David and therefore had generational wealth.
2. Staying in a manger was because there was no room, NOT no money.
3. Wise men brought his the best riches in those days.
4. King Herod felt threatened because rumors of another rich king (aka Jesus) was born and he ordered to kill all babies under 2 for it. Makes way more sense if Jesus was rich.
5. Mary was told at the wedding there was no more wine. Why go to her and Jesus? They didn't know he could turn water into wine as he had never done that. They would go to rich people who could afford to help.
6. Jesus had 12 disciples with families follow him. Would they just let their families starve?
7. Joseph was a carpenter and it was a highly respected occupation back then. Plus he was "the" carpenter indicating he was very good at what he did.
8. Jesus had a treasurer. Poor people don't need treasurers.
9. The Roman soldiers cut the cloth of Jesus's clothes and divided it among themselves indicating value. They couldn't cut the outer coat bc it was seamless and made of 1 piece. It was designed for kings to wear.
10. Thousands of people would not follow someone poor. Knowing people, I just don't see this happening. How could he help them if he couldn't help himself?

What do you think? Is Jesus rich or poor?

Even deeper... if he was/is rich, why the big cover up? Why do they not want the children of God to know he was rich on earth?

remember, Joesph , Mary, Baby Jesus went to egypt and stayed there.

the gifts of the Wise Men most likely funded that endeavor...

 

[Magenta]

1. Mary was a descendent of king David and therefore had generational wealth.

Generational wealth is squandered probably as often as it is maintained/built upon.

2. Staying in a manger was because there was no room, NOT no money.

Doesn't mean they had money.

3. Wise men brought his the best riches in those days.

Gold would have been worth something, yes.

4. King Herod felt threatened because rumors of another rich king (aka Jesus) was born
and he ordered to kill all babies under 2 for it. Makes way more sense if Jesus was rich.

Not really. A threat to someone's throne only needs a legitimate claim.

5. Mary was told at the wedding there was no more wine. Why go to her and Jesus? They didn't know he
could turn water into wine as he had never done that. They would go to rich people who could afford to help.

We are not told that they went to Mary. We are told that Mary went to Jesus.

10. Thousands of people would not follow someone poor. Knowing people, I just
don't see this happening. How could he help them if he couldn't help himself?

The crux of Jesus' message was about the kingdom of God, which He said was not an earthly
kingdom. People followed Him because of His knowledge and wisdom. He knew of things
they longed to learn about. He performed miracles. They believed He was their Messiah.

 

[Adstar]

I watched a pastor on YouTube explain how Jesus was actually very rich when on earth. He made a lot of valid points and basically I feel like I've been lied to again.

The reasons are as follow:

1. Mary was a descendent of king David and therefore had generational wealth.

David lived many generations before Mary came into existence.. Therefore there is no indication that Mary came from a rich family at all.. In any case this is about Jesus being rich right?

2. Staying in a manger was because there was no room, NOT no money.

Why do you think renting a room for the night was only affordable to a rich man?

3. Wise men brought his the best riches in those days.

That's true.. But again this came from their wealth not from Joseph or Mary.. Again this does not show Jesus was rich at all..

4. King Herod felt threatened because rumors of another rich king (aka Jesus) was born and he ordered to kill all babies under 2 for it. Makes way more sense if Jesus was rich.

May future kings are not rich until they take the position of King.. King David for instance looked after a heard of animals when he was a kid.. If King David came from a rich family he would have had servents to do that work.. So just like King Saul who tried to kill David out of fear of him taking over the kingdom so did Herod try to kill Jesus out of fear of Him taking the kingdom.. Riches had nothing to do with it..

5. Mary was told at the wedding there was no more wine. Why go to her and Jesus? They didn't know he could turn water into wine as he had never done that. They would go to rich people who could afford to help.

Yes Mary was told.. But nowhere in that story does the Bible say that the people holding the wedding came to her asking for money.. Mary knew that Jesus could fix the problem in some way.. So she went to Him and the problem was solved.. Again nothing to do with Jesus being rich or not..

6. Jesus had 12 disciples with families follow him. Would they just let their families starve?

The Bible never states that any of the 12 disciples had wives or Children.. The impression given was that they where all young guys who had modest jobs,, Fisherman..

7. Joseph was a carpenter and it was a highly respected occupation back then. Plus he was "the" carpenter indicating he was very good at what he did.

Again a carpenter was not a poor job.. But it was not a rich mans job either.. It could be seen as in the middle somewhere.. Joseph being a carpenter actually dismisses the theory that Jesus was rich..

8. Jesus had a treasurer. Poor people don't need treasurers.

Again Jesus designated judas to be responsible for any money they recieved during their mission.. Does that prove that Jesus was rich? No..

9. The Roman soldiers cut the cloth of Jesus's clothes and divided it among themselves indicating value. They couldn't cut the outer coat bc it was seamless and made of 1 piece. It was designed for kings to wear.

You don't know scriptures.. Jesus was given that coat as a mocking gesture by the romans who where making fun of Jesus as the king of israel. They also gave him a crown of thorns.. again a mocking jesture related to his king status.. Jesus never purchased the coat.. So again no proof that Jesus was rich..

10. Thousands of people would not follow someone poor. Knowing people, I just don't see this happening. How could he help them if he couldn't help himself?

Many people acknowledged John the baptist as a prophet of God and followed him.. john dressed in poor clothing and lived in the wilderness.. So people do follow men if they believe them no matter how rich or poor they are.. You can even use a more modern example of Ghandi of India a guy who was a poor man who dressed in poor mans cloths but was considered the leader of India's independence movement, followed by millions of people..

What do you think? Is Jesus rich or poor?

Jesus did not come from a rich family and he did not come from a poor family.. Joseph and mary where somewhere in the middle between the two extremes i think..

Even deeper... if he was/is rich, why the big cover up? Why do they not want the children of God to know he was rich on earth?

He wasn't rich.. there is no cover up.. The Bible gives good information and that information does not show that Jesus was rich..

 

[blueluna5]

David lived many generations before Mary came into existence.. Therefore there is no indication that Mary came from a rich family at all.. In any case this is about Jesus being rich right?




Why do you think renting a room for the night was only affordable to a rich man?




That's true.. But again this came from their wealth not from Joseph or Mary.. Again this does not show Jesus was rich at all..




May future kings are not rich until they take the position of King.. King David for instance looked after a heard of animals when he was a kid.. If King David came from a rich family he would have had servents to do that work.. So just like King Saul who tried to kill David out of fear of him taking over the kingdom so did Herod try to kill Jesus out of fear of Him taking the kingdom.. Riches had nothing to do with it..




Yes Mary was told.. But nowhere in that story does the Bible say that the people holding the wedding came to her asking for money.. Mary knew that Jesus could fix the problem in some way.. So she went to Him and the problem was solved.. Again nothing to do with Jesus being rich or not..




The Bible never states that any of the 12 disciples had wives or Children.. The impression given was that they where all young guys who had modest jobs,, Fisherman..




Again a carpenter was not a poor job.. But it was not a rich mans job either.. It could be seen as in the middle somewhere.. Joseph being a carpenter actually dismisses the theory that Jesus was rich..




Again Jesus designated judas to be responsible for any money they recieved during their mission.. Does that prove that Jesus was rich? No..




You don't know scriptures.. Jesus was given that coat as a mocking gesture by the romans who where making fun of Jesus as the king of israel. They also gave him a crown of thorns.. again a mocking jesture related to his king status.. Jesus never purchased the coat.. So again no proof that Jesus was rich..




Many people acknowledged John the baptist as a prophet of God and followed him.. john dressed in poor clothing and lived in the wilderness.. So people do follow men if they believe them no matter how rich or poor they are.. You can even use a more modern example of Ghandi of India a guy who was a poor man who dressed in poor mans cloths but was considered the leader of India's independence movement, followed by millions of people..




Jesus did not come from a rich family and he did not come from a poor family.. Joseph and mary where somewhere in the middle between the two extremes i think..



He wasn't rich.. there is no cover up.. The Bible gives good information and that information does not show that Jesus was rich..

Your mention of Gandhi is exactly my point. That's NOT christian.

My theory is that Jesus was VERY wealthy and that abundance flows from God. Why is that important? Because we're taught Jesus was poor and so if we're successful in life we are holding a double life in our subconscious, thinking I have so much, but Jesus had so little. I must be a bad Christian. And now I'm not even convinced he was poor. Most verses show the contrary.

Genesis 2:12
“And the gold of that land is good

Joseph working has nothing to do with being rich. Rich people work. And besides that I'm talking about Jesus.... the baby who was brought riches from wise men. The descendent of king David and Solomon, the richest man in the world.

I'm not talking about the purple robe they gave him. But they made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. They would not do that for something cheap.

Think about a wedding where you run out of something. Why go to someone to let them know? You're going to someone you think can help. Someone with the means or money to do so. That's common sense.

 

[Nehemiah6]

I watched a pastor on YouTube explain how Jesus was actually very rich when on earth

Since the Bible says that Christ became poor for our sakes, so that we through His poverty might be rich, just believe it and move on.

 

[blueluna5]

Since the Bible says that Christ became poor for our sakes, so that we through His poverty might be rich, just believe it and move on.

Earth is poor compared to Heaven though. That's relative. Besides that it has more of a spiritual reference than economic.

I don't ever just believe in something and move on. What a dumb way to go through life. Might as well listen to the media while I'm at it.

It's impossible he was poor.

"A multitude of camels [from the eastern trading tribes] shall cover you [Jerusalem], the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all the men from Sheba [who once came to trade] shall come, bringing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the Lord. [Matt. 2:11.]"

The Bible literally tells you they use a multitude of camels to bring him gold! Yet people refuse to believe he had wealth.... though it was given. Did Mary smuggle it? I just don't get the close minded mindset. Why want Jesus to be poor? He's not poor in heaven.

 

[Nehemiah6]

It's impossible he was poor.

Then why did the Bible use the word "poverty"? There was no spiritual poverty in Christ.

 

[Gideon300]

I watched a pastor on YouTube explain how Jesus was actually very rich when on earth. He made a lot of valid points and basically I feel like I've been lied to again.

The reasons are as follow:

1. Mary was a descendent of king David and therefore had generational wealth.
2. Staying in a manger was because there was no room, NOT no money.
3. Wise men brought his the best riches in those days.
4. King Herod felt threatened because rumors of another rich king (aka Jesus) was born and he ordered to kill all babies under 2 for it. Makes way more sense if Jesus was rich.
5. Mary was told at the wedding there was no more wine. Why go to her and Jesus? They didn't know he could turn water into wine as he had never done that. They would go to rich people who could afford to help.
6. Jesus had 12 disciples with families follow him. Would they just let their families starve?
7. Joseph was a carpenter and it was a highly respected occupation back then. Plus he was "the" carpenter indicating he was very good at what he did.
8. Jesus had a treasurer. Poor people don't need treasurers.
9. The Roman soldiers cut the cloth of Jesus's clothes and divided it among themselves indicating value. They couldn't cut the outer coat bc it was seamless and made of 1 piece. It was designed for kings to wear.
10. Thousands of people would not follow someone poor. Knowing people, I just don't see this happening. How could he help them if he couldn't help himself?

What do you think? Is Jesus rich or poor?

Even deeper... if he was/is rich, why the big cover up? Why do they not want the children of God to know he was rich on earth?

Jesus had sandals. Poor people did not. Jesus was a carpenter, which in those says was a builder. He had His own home, which was normal. He was single and childless, so His expenses were low. The family received a gift of gold at His birth.

Nazareth was not a well known village of the rich. We'd likely call it working class. As far as I can tell, Jesus was not what we'd call rich or poor. What we do not know is anything much about His life. Did all the gold get spent in Egypt? Did Jesus sell His house to give to the poor? How many people donated to the group He led? We know that there were at least 70. Matthew was a tax collector, very likely rich. Did he put his wealth into the treasury? We do not know.

Jesus led a very large band of people. We know little about the arrangements. Who paid for the food and clothing for the followers? Did they come and go, working for a while to help support the group?

Herod was threatened by the thought of an alternate king, not the financial position that king might have held. Jesus impressed with His teachings, His authority and the miracles that He did. Giving to the poor was as natural as breathing to most Jews of that time.

The OT principle was that God would not make people too poor so that they would resent Him or so rich that they would forget Him. Sounds pretty good to me. The love of money is the root of all evil. Prosperity preachers rarely talk about that. Those that want to get rich fall into a snare and pierce themselves with grief (paraphrased a bit). I've not heard prosperity preachers talk about that either.

If we seek the kingdom of God first, our needs will be met. That is God's promise. It does not say that our greeds will be met.

 

[MsMediator]

I watched a pastor on YouTube explain how Jesus was actually very rich when on earth. He made a lot of valid points and basically I feel like I've been lied to again.

The reasons are as follow:

1. Mary was a descendent of king David and therefore had generational wealth.
2. Staying in a manger was because there was no room, NOT no money.
3. Wise men brought his the best riches in those days.
4. King Herod felt threatened because rumors of another rich king (aka Jesus) was born and he ordered to kill all babies under 2 for it. Makes way more sense if Jesus was rich.
5. Mary was told at the wedding there was no more wine. Why go to her and Jesus? They didn't know he could turn water into wine as he had never done that. They would go to rich people who could afford to help.
6. Jesus had 12 disciples with families follow him. Would they just let their families starve?
7. Joseph was a carpenter and it was a highly respected occupation back then. Plus he was "the" carpenter indicating he was very good at what he did.
8. Jesus had a treasurer. Poor people don't need treasurers.
9. The Roman soldiers cut the cloth of Jesus's clothes and divided it among themselves indicating value. They couldn't cut the outer coat bc it was seamless and made of 1 piece. It was designed for kings to wear.
10. Thousands of people would not follow someone poor. Knowing people, I just don't see this happening. How could he help them if he couldn't help himself?

What do you think? Is Jesus rich or poor?

Even deeper... if he was/is rich, why the big cover up? Why do they not want the children of God to know he was rich on earth?

It is possible that Jesus had money through family wealth and/or funding from followers. I don't think the Bible is too clear on Jesus' or His family's wealth. Most likely he was "middle class" of that time (given that he and his earthly father had middle class professions), meaning he had shelter, food, clothes, etc., and probably some rainy day savings. It could be that he was born into some wealth, or accumulated some wealth in his early years, but once it was time to begin His ministry, He withdrew from most/all wealth and lived poor (without belongings, etc.).

Jesus had some harsh words about the rich, so He was likely not monetarily rich. He could have had a few nice items but that d.oesn't necessarily mean He was rich (these items could have been donations). We know His followers were willing to spend a lot of money on Him, including the woman who poured expensive perfume on His feet. Jesus also said money was the god of this world, so I doubt He cared too much about wealth. Even if he was wealthy, he may have been wealthy in the books but He probably lived the "bare necessities" lifestyle.

 

[ResidentAlien]

I watched a pastor on YouTube explain how Jesus was actually very rich when on earth. He made a lot of valid points and basically I feel like I've been lied to again.

The reasons are as follow:

1. Mary was a descendent of king David and therefore had generational wealth.
2. Staying in a manger was because there was no room, NOT no money.
3. Wise men brought his the best riches in those days.
4. King Herod felt threatened because rumors of another rich king (aka Jesus) was born and he ordered to kill all babies under 2 for it. Makes way more sense if Jesus was rich.
5. Mary was told at the wedding there was no more wine. Why go to her and Jesus? They didn't know he could turn water into wine as he had never done that. They would go to rich people who could afford to help.
6. Jesus had 12 disciples with families follow him. Would they just let their families starve?
7. Joseph was a carpenter and it was a highly respected occupation back then. Plus he was "the" carpenter indicating he was very good at what he did.
8. Jesus had a treasurer. Poor people don't need treasurers.
9. The Roman soldiers cut the cloth of Jesus's clothes and divided it among themselves indicating value. They couldn't cut the outer coat bc it was seamless and made of 1 piece. It was designed for kings to wear.
10. Thousands of people would not follow someone poor. Knowing people, I just don't see this happening. How could he help them if he couldn't help himself?

What do you think? Is Jesus rich or poor?

Even deeper... if he was/is rich, why the big cover up? Why do they not want the children of God to know he was rich on earth?

He had means but was in no way as rich as the prosperity preachers claim. They make things up to justify their own greedy lifestyles. Don't believe them; they're the liars.

 

[Underwhosewings]

Luke 1:53 KJV
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and

the rich he hath sent empty away.

 

[Underwhosewings]

John 6:26 KJV
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles,

but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Haggai 2:8-9 KJV
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
[9] The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and

in this place will I give peace,
saith the LORD of hosts.

No amount of wealth will ever give you peace.

 

[turbosixx]

You forgot the important part though.

“What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?”

26 “From others,” Peter answered.

“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

So Jesus isn't saying they don't have it. He's implying they are children of a king and therfore don't need to pay taxes. But had it come from a fish to "not cause offense."

If anything this reinforces the same idea about Jesus being a rich king and basically saying why should we have to pay taxes. The Lord is the king and all the richest belong to him and his children. That riches in the world belong to the children of God.

Correct. Jesus doesn't need to pay the tax. I suggest the "not cause offense" was paying the tax not where He got the money.
I guess we should define from what perspective. Yes, if we look at who Jesus truly is, then everything is His. Every cow on every hill. Even the hills are His. I don't believe Jesus was rich in the way man views riches. He didn't have a house in Jerusalem and then a lake house in Capernaum. He stayed with people. He didn't have a stable of horses, mules and donkeys. When He needed a ride He borrowed a ride. He wasn't a beggar either. His ministry was worthy of being supported and take care of His needs. God takes care of His own.
Anyway, that's my .02

 

[Underwhosewings]

Matthew 21:2-3 KJV
Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
[3] And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.