Does Jesus Want Christians to Be Poor?

Many believers wrestle with the idea of wealth. Is it okay for Christians to have money? Did Jesus really say we must sell everything to follow Him?

Does being rich mean we’re automatically less spiritual—or even disqualified from the kingdom?

These aren’t just theological questions; they affect how people view God, pursue success, and live out their calling.

A recent video I watched featured a rabbi who tried to answer this using Luke 18. While his intentions seemed sincere, he missed a crucial principle that Jesus emphasized over and over: faith in God, not money, is what matters most.

Let’s walk through the chapter together and explore what Jesus was really saying about wealth, poverty, and the heart of a true disciple.

The Widow, the Pharisee, and the Infant: A Pattern of Faith

Luke 18 opens with a parable of a persistent widow. Jesus tells the story so His followers should always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1).

The widow represents someone who refuses to quit, continuing to ask because she believes justice will come.

Jesus then tells another story—the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee proudly lists his religious accomplishments:

“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

But the tax collector stands at a distance, not even able to look up to heaven. He simply says,

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Jesus explains that the humble tax collector, not the boastful Pharisee, goes home justified. The lesson is clear: 

Pride and self-trust are not kingdom currency; faith and humility are. Share on X

Luke also included an event where people begin bringing infants to Jesus. His disciples try to turn them away, but Jesus says,

“Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Luke 18:16

Why highlight children? Because they don’t strive or boast—they simply trust their parents.

Luke is showing us a pattern: the faithful widow, the repentant tax collector, and the trusting child are all examples of the kind of heart that pleases God.

The Rich Young Ruler: A Heart Revealed

Then comes the story of the rich young ruler. He asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus lists some commandments, which the man claims to have kept since he was young.

But Jesus responds with a challenge that cuts to the heart:

“Sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” – Luke 18:22

The man walks away sorrowful. Why? Because he had many possessions. His heart was bound to his wealth.

Jesus isn’t punishing him for being rich—He’s revealing what the man trusts.

In the context of the widow, the tax collector, and the children, this young man represents the opposite: someone who trusts in himself and his wealth rather than in God.

Jesus then says something that has caused confusion:

“How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” – Mark 10:23, 25

At first glance, it sounds like Jesus is condemning all rich people. But look at how the disciples react: “Who then can be saved?”

This question only makes sense if wealth had been seen as a blessing from God—as it was in the Old Testament.

Abraham, Job, David, Solomon, and Esther were all rich and yet faithful. If even they would have difficulty entering the kingdom, the disciples reasoned, what hope was there for anyone?

Jesus responds,

“What is impossible with man is possible with God.” – Luke 18:27

The issue is not being rich—it’s trusting in riches. The rich young ruler is not condemned for having money, but for refusing to let go of what had his heart.

To make the point even clearer, Luke follows this story with the account of Zacchaeus in Chapter 19. He’s also rich, but he responds to Jesus very differently.

When Jesus visits his home, Zacchaeus voluntarily gives away half of his wealth and offers to repay anyone he has cheated four times over. Jesus responds,

“Today salvation has come to this house.” – Luke 19:9

Zacchaeus was rich, but his heart was open. His wealth didn’t own him.

That’s the contrast Luke wants us to see—between someone clinging to money and someone surrendering it to God.

What About “Sell Everything”? 

Some point to Luke 12:33 where Jesus says, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” They argue this is a blanket command for all believers.

But again, context matters.

In that chapter, Jesus is teaching about not worrying—not being obsessed with what to eat, drink, or wear. It mirrors Matthew 6, where Jesus says:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

Jesus uses birds and lilies as examples of how God provides without striving. He’s not mandating universal poverty. He’s encouraging radical trust in God’s provision.

The heart of the teaching is this: don’t cling to what the world clings to. If God tells you to give, do it freely. If He asks you to walk away from something, do it joyfully. 

You were never meant to be owned by your possessions. Share on X

Likewise, one of the most powerful pictures of trust in the Scripture is Abraham. When God told him to offer his son Isaac, Abraham obeyed without hesitation.

Why? Because he believed God could raise the dead if needed (Hebrews 11:19). Isaac was the most precious thing in his life—and Abraham was willing to lay him down.

That’s what it means to have no idol before God.

Abraham also sent away Ishmael at God’s instruction, trusting that God would take care of him.

These stories are not about loss—they’re about faith in a faithful God.

So, Does Jesus Want Us to Be Poor?

No—Jesus wants us to be dependent. Whether we have a lot or a little, the call is the same: trust in Him alone. The danger isn’t in having wealth—it’s in letting wealth have us.

If God told you to give everything away, would you? Could you? That’s the real question.

It’s not about living with nothing—it’s about living with an open hand. Jesus’ message to the rich young ruler wasn’t just about money. It was about faith, surrender, and the willingness to follow Him above all else.

When we interpret the Scripture through isolated verses, we risk misunderstanding the heart of God.

But when we look at the full context of Jesus’ teachings—especially in Luke—we see a consistent message: God is after our hearts, not our wallets.

Whether it’s the widow, the tax collector, the child, or Zacchaeus, the same truth rings out: faith is the true treasure of the kingdom. 

Riches may come or go—but those who trust in the Lord will never be put to shame. Share on X

To go deeper into how Jesus views stewardship and responsibility, check out this powerful teaching on The Parable of Talents. It will transform how you see your gifts, your income, and your kingdom purpose.

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