Jesus on Money (1) - Woe to the Rich

Jesus had some strong words about money. Many Christians find his teaching hard to accept, but we cannot ignore it. In the next few posts I will look at some examples from his challenging teaching.

Woe to the Rich
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus set out his core teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Luke records the version that gave when he had descended to the plain after calling the twelve disciples. He covered money in this teaching.
Looking at his disciples, he said:

Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied….
But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep
(Luke 6:20,21,24,25).

This is fairly straightforward. Jesus had coming to turn the world upside down. Those who have plenty already will be disappointed. Mary had prophesied the same thing before Jesus was born.

He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty (Luke 1:53).

Those who are poor will be satisfied and be made comfortable.

These prophecies will not be fulfilled by force through a revolution. They will be fulfilled voluntarily through giving and sharing. They were fulfilled by the early church, but they are not so often fulfilled so much in the modern world. This is a challenge. If the gospel is working effectively, the poor and hungry should be lifted up and be satisfied.

This full series of posts can be read at Jesus on Money.