Did Jesus Really Make a Good Living from His Preaching?

Christ was certainly not a 21st century pastor. No! He most definitely didn’t. Trust me if He did, He would have made sharing the word of God the central focus of His ministry, just as some celebrity preachers do today. Sharing the word of God has no business with making money or leading a quality life. Anyone who tempts you to believe otherwise has sold your soul for a large bowl of porridge!

Avoid such people like a plague. Instead, focus on the true meaning of Jesus' message.

Jesus Made a Good Future for You in Heaven

Jesus made a “good future” for me in heaven by purchasing my soul at a great price as follows:

He was born in another’s manger. He crisscrossed the lake in another man’s boat. He was buried in another man’s tomb. He fasted in the desert and had nowhere to lay His head during His 3 years of ministry. He hung on the cross between heaven and earth, as if not fit for either place, all because of His love for me.

In this sense, Jesus indeed made a “good living” for me!

Financial Aspects of Jesus' Ministry in Biblical Context

Yes, on a good day, He made 1000 shekels, and He had a huge savings account at the “Pharisee Bank.” However, He did not claim a home of His own. Matthew 8:20, for example, states that Jesus Himself said, “But what do you have that you did not receive? For I indeed have need of this

Let us delve into other important biblical references that can help us understand Jesus' financial situation during His ministry:

Luke 8 and Jesus' Ministry

Luke 8:1-3
Luke 8:1-3 NKJV Now it came to pass afterward that He went through every city and village preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him. And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna and many others who provided for Him from their substance. For they were beaten and had been compelled to sell all they had and to give to those who had need.

This passage indicates that Jesus was supported financially by certain women who had been healed by Him. Such individuals provided for Him out of their resources, as they were compelled to sell their assets to aid those in need. This shows that Jesus did not rely on monetary means, but rather on the voluntary contributions of others who believed in His teachings and had compassion for those in need.

Jesus’ Ministry and His Treasury

John 12:4-6
John 12:4-6 NKJV Then one of His disciples Judas Iscariot Simon's son who would betray Him said, “Now why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” And they said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” And they did what they desired with it, and gave the money to the purses. Now a large sum of money was given to Him to keep, since He was one of the twelve, and he was entrusted with the purse.

According to this passage, Judas was Jesus' treasurer. This indicates that Jesus did not have a large purse of His own, but rather managed funds entrusted to Him by the twelve disciples. This detail helps us understand that Jesus did not monetarily benefit from His ministry to a lavish extent. Instead, He focused on spreading the message of the Kingdom of God and helping those in need.

Jesus’ Ministry and the Poor

It is important to note that the Bible often portrays Jesus as a figure who prioritizes the welfare of the poor and marginalized. Even in His ministry, He emphasized the importance of caring for those in need, as seen in the following passage:

Matthew 10:8
Matthew 10:8 NKJV “Freely you have received, freely give.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of generosity and caring for others in the spirit of Jesus’ teachings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Jesus did make a living from His preaching ministry, the emphasis was not on monetary gains but on spreading the word of God and providing for the needy. It is crucial to understand the biblical context and focus on the true meaning of Jesus' message.