Was Jesus rich?
I was sent this pearl by someone who believes in prosperity theology. I am preparing a response but I would appreciate your input to what I regard as a distorted view of Christ.
Why did the romans cut up the seamless robe to share amongst themselves? A seamless robe was an extremely valuable garment then. NO seams, woven completely. The material would not have been cheap flax to be used to sell cheaply because parts of the material was divided up amongst the soldiers.
There was never any occasion when Jesus had to beg or borrow money.He could give and he always paid his taxes.
Jesus lived in accomodation that was able to sleep several people.
I base my comments on what God teaches about prosperity and little glimpses in the Gospels.
Do you think a poverty stricken, or even a working class man with little means would have received such attention in the Synagogue?
Was Joseph poor? How could he have afforded to travel away from Nazareth to register in the census and have the money to rent a hotel room. Remember- the stable birth wasn't by choice but necessity.
The treasures brought when Jesus was a little boy by the wise men, were they just three items? The bible never referred to the ''three'' but to ''kings'' or ''wise men'' bringing gifts of Gold Frankinscence and Myrrh; three TYPES of gifts.
Such treasures could not only have provided for Joseph's family's flight into Egypt but also a future of comfort in Jesus' upbringing.
Judas was the keeper of ''the bag'', in which money was kept for Jesus and his disciples. Judas we are told, stole from it. But it didn't seem to have affected Jesus' progression in his work.
Nope, I can clearly see that this marvellous example to all men was one who was very successful in all he did.Including business.
In fact, wherever he went, scribes, lawyer and priests and Pharisees all knew the this was ''Joseph's son''.
Could that be the equivalent of today, everybody knowing a wealthy entrepreneur? Who hasn't heard of Richard Branson or the Duke of Westminster? I think it is quite clear in the Gospels.
I have previously posted that I regard the teachings of Benny Hinn as as sign that the church needs discernment. Anyone on this prosperity teaching, it's over to you. What do you think?
posted by Paul Martin at 2:27 PM
4 Comments:
Where do we start. It seems to be a bsic misunderstanding of the area and times in which Jesus lived.
'Son of jeseph' is a nessacary descriptor for example - isn't it, when there are lots of poeple called Jesus and no surnames.
We have no idea where Jesus lived, unless I've miseed domething, though we do have reference to him sleeping at other people's houses, and I think in the open?
Isn't Jesus message about justice for the poor, about 'you've not been forgotten, even though society makes it seem that way'. Would a rich guy have the same impact, would a guy hording cash have the same impression upon these folk.
The whole Judas thing is speculation of the higest order. If we are to speculate, then couldn't we say money wasn't a priority, so he didn't notice, or that he knew, but was biding his time. In fact, the implication was that the 40 gold pieces was a huge amount?
What an odd viewpoint -
Steve
In fact don't the gospels clearly show a picture of an incredible and impressive character, who turned heads and set people talking whereever he went.
How do we know Jesus payed his taxes, or even that he worked duyring his time of ministry in order to pay taxes...
2:59 PM
Having read it I am not almost sure if we haven't been sucked in by the worlds most magnificent tangent!
Ultimatly it makes sense in that it looks at the material goods wihtin the bible to draw a conclusion , but like the materialist outlook to life it fails to apreciate the deeper and more meaningful message.
Also it doesn't really come accross with , if they were so rich, why Jesus was born in a stable because they hadn't reserved a room elsewhere. If you have the cash then "no room in the inn" don't make no sense.
Ultimatly Jesus is for everyone but everyone needs to stand by everyone and strive for justice for all which isn't around the ideas you've just popped up for review.
Warm Regards
John
9:24 AM
The question of whether Jesus paid taxes is perhaps not as cut and dried as some scholars believe. I have a website (www.jesus-on-taxes.com) and an essay, JESUS OF NAZARETH, ILLEGAL-TAX PROTESTER (available in "pdf") that is devoted to this question. The essay is a comprehensive analysis of the recorded words and deeds of Jesus vis-a-vis taxes and tax collectors. Keep the faith, Ned Netterville
3:52 PM
Firstly thanks to Steve and John. I believe that the prosperity Gospel is a distortion.
Ned, you come from a position I have never held. I thank you for your link and I will read your essay with interest as soon as I have time. I suspect that on some things we will differ (had a brief scan) but I owe you the courtesy of properly acquainting myself with the case which you have clearly thought deeply on.
5:45 PM
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