what does jesus say about money in the bible

A Deep Dive into Money According to Jesus

In the Bible, Jesus speaks about money and wealth on several occasions, offering guidance and teachings on how his followers should approach material possessions. Here are some key passages:

1. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV):

• 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
• 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 
• 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

meaning Jesus advises against hoarding earthly wealth, which can be lost or stolen. Instead, he encourages investing in heavenly treasures, emphasizing that one's focus and heart follow where their true treasure lies—highlighting the spiritual over material wealth.

2. Matthew 6:24 (NIV):

• 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

meaning Jesus asserts that individuals cannot serve both God and money. This concise statement underscores the need for prioritizing spiritual devotion over material pursuits. It challenges the idea of divided loyalties, emphasizing the exclusive commitment required in choosing between God and wealth. The passage serves as a profound reminder to align one's priorities with a singular focus on spiritual values rather than being entangled in the pursuit of material gain.

3. Matthew 19:21-24 (NIV):

• 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
• 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
• 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God

meaning Jesus instructs a rich young man to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him for eternal life. The man, attached to his wealth, leaves disheartened. Jesus then remarks on the difficulty for the rich to enter heaven, comparing it to a camel passing through the eye of a needle. This passage highlights the challenge of prioritizing God over material wealth, emphasizing the potential hindrance of riches on one's spiritual journey. It conveys a message of detachment from earthly possessions for a deeper connection with God and entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

4. Luke 12:15 (NIV):

• 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.

Jesus warns against greed, declaring that life's worth is not measured by possessions. This concise verse underscores the dangers of an excessive desire for material wealth and highlights the true essence of a fulfilling life—beyond the accumulation of possessions. It serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize spiritual and meaningful aspects of life over the pursuit of material abundance, encouraging a balanced and contented approach to one's resources and desires.

5. Luke 16:13 (NIV):

• 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

meaningJesus declares, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." This concise statement underscores the inherent conflict between devotion to God and the pursuit of wealth. It stresses the necessity of a singular allegiance and warns against the pitfalls of divided loyalties. The verse serves as a profound reminder to prioritize spiritual values over material gain, emphasizing the exclusivity of true commitment to God.