The Poverty of Jesus

This week, I’m considering some aspects of Christ’s life that are sometimes difficult to consider, in our current culture and space.  Loneliness, weariness, and poverty are not necessarily characteristics that we naturally hope for in a King…and the same was true for most in Jesus’ day.

Today, I want to consider His poverty.

• Jesus was born to poor parents in a barn, surrounded not by a mid wife or a large welcoming family, but rather by animals  and the smells and sounds of earthy things.
• When Jesus’ parents dedicated him to the Lord, they offered the sacrifice of the poor-(turtledoves or pigeons instead of a lamb)
• Jesus’ first few years of life were those of a nomad or refugee.  In response to the Spirit’s leading, Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt and lived as displaced people until Herod was dead.
• Once Jesus began his open ministry, He had no home to speak of, no place where He was certain to lay his head each night.
• Though we read of some women supporting Jesus monetarily, it’s clear He had no system of regular income.
• When Jesus died, his only possessions we read of are the garments He was wearing.  He and his family did not even have a place for His burial.

Do I Actually Believe in ‘Health and Wealth’?

Though I’d never sign on to the ‘Health and Wealth’ gospel, I have begun to realize over the last few years that some hint of that false doctrine still pervades my thoughts. In some way or another, I tend to think that those who follow Christ will not suffer financially.  In fact, in most cases, I assume that answers to the saints’ prayers would include entrusting adequate or abundant financial resources to them.

At times when finances are tight (for myself or other believers that seem to be seeking hard after Him), I find myself surprised at God’s silence or seeming lack of provision.

A closer look at Jesus’ life and His stunning words to take up our cross DAILY and follow Him-to live the life He lived, remind me that earthly riches and comforts for believers on this earth are more the exception than the rule.

A Warning

In Proverbs  30, the writer asks for neither poverty nor riches.  And throughout Proverbs, there are principles that warn about poverty.  So, I’m not advocating that followers of Christ take a vow of poverty or asceticism.

Nevertheless, it seems that most of us, including me, fall off the other side of the horse—expecting financial blessing as part and parcel of following Christ.

God’s Misfits

1 Corinthians 1 notes that not many wise, not many mighty, not many noble are called to Him.  In fact, He has chosen the foolish things of the world, the weak things of the world, and the base things of the world.  If you think about it, all these characteristics are impacted by wealth.  In our world, wealth brings power, respect, access to education and learning….in so many ways wealth rescues us from feeling ‘base.’

But, Christ opened a new way for the weak and foolish and powerless to attain ‘wealth.’  He welcomes all, no matter the balance of their bank account (or even the presence of a bank account) to come and eat with Him…for FREE.  (Isaiah 55:1)

Not Poor Forever

Though He had no place to lay His head on this Earth, Jesus is no longer a homeless man.  He now sits enthroned next to His heavenly Father.  The earth is His, the heavens are His, His name is above all others. The riches of Solomon (and the richest person you can think of) are just pocket change compared to all that is now under the command and ownership of Christ.

Today, I’m asking this Christ who knew poverty so well to clear my mind and heart of an unbiblical expectation to have wealth in this life.  And I’m asking Him to expand my faith and open my spiritual eyes to see the riches of His grace and kindness.  I’m asking for a faith that will store up treasure in heaven rather than earth where thieves cannot break in and steal and rust and moths cannot destroy.

What thoughts have you had about Christ’s poverty here on Earth?  Any insights as to how the ‘health and wealth’ gospel has pervaded (even to the smallest degree) our thoughts and beliefs as western believers?

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