Speaker: Rev. Dr Martin L. Sinaga

Editor: Juan Nicohlas

 

Jesus and His Family

When discussing Jesus, money and spiritual simplicity, a question may spring to mind: “What was Jesus’ financial situation?” Textually speaking, Jesus can be said to have been born into a family that was not entirely poor. He came from a family of artisans, a term used to describe someone with a particular skill or craft, such as a tradesman. As someone born into a craftsman family, Jesus and his family are thought to have had the means to provide for their basic needs. In the Bible, specifically in Luke 2:24, it is written that Jesus’ family was able to offer a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons as a sacrifice. Jesus’ ability to read the Torah also indicates that he had access to religious education or instruction. From these points, it can be inferred that Jesus and his family were in a relatively comfortable financial position. 

 

Jesus’ Ministry and Finances

In the course of Jesus’ ministry, many sociologists have identified a movement known as the Jesus Movement. The Jesus Movement was a movement carried out by Jesus together with His followers around Capernaum (Mark 6). Within this movement, Jesus carried out various ministries, such as teaching, casting out evil spirits, and performing miracles. During this ministry, the disciples carried only limited provisions. Items such as bread, money, and spare clothing were not necessary to carry. Jesus and His disciples lived from house to house, where they would preach, tell stories, heal, and receive food and daily necessities from the people they met. 

 

Jesus’ approach to finances can be described as unique. Essentially, Jesus knew that money was necessary for life, but in practice He was able to live alongside others who were generous enough to share food, drink and joy. Jesus viewed money as something flexible. Money is not the only thing that determines human life. There were times when Jesus  and His disciples had no money either (2 Corinthians: 8–9). Jesus taught that people should live together and share, so that money is not seen as the dominant factor in life. 

 

During one of His ministries, Jesus preached on a hill and said, “Blessed are you who are poor.” The meaning of this statement is not that one must first experience poverty in order to be happy. Throughout His ministry, many poor people followed Him. The poor who are called blessed are those who are open to the mystery of the Kingdom of God that fills their lives. In this fellowship, they can share and complement one another. 

 

Money in the time of Jesus 

The concept of money during Jesus’ lifetime was very different from the concept of money today. In Jesus’ time, the barter system was still in use, and there was also the term self-sufficient economy, which describes a situation where a person can meet their own needs. For example, if someone had no money, they could go fishing or gather fruit to eat and carry on with their life. 

 

At that time, money also served a specific purpose and was not used in the same way as it is today. Money was used, amongst other things, to pay taxes. As the region where Jesus lived was under Roman rule, the people used the currency in circulation at that time to pay their taxes. Another function was to make offerings at the Temple. With Roman currency in circulation at that time, money also served as a symbol that the Jewish people were under Roman rule.

 

The Definition of Money in the Modern Era

In the present day, our understanding and definition of money are, of course, different from those in Jesus’ time. Neutrally speaking, money is understood as a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a means of objectively measuring the value of various things. On the other hand, many contemporary thinkers also recognise the dangers of money, one of which is when everything is viewed, measured, or even purchased in terms of money. Another issue relating to money on a global scale is inflation, which is a situation where the prices of goods and necessities rise.

 

Jesus’ Attitude Towards Money: Is It Still Relevant Today?

There are two interesting stories in the Bible that recount Jesus’ attitude towards money. The first story is found in Mark 12:13–17, and the second in Matthew 17:24–27. The first story concerns the payment of the Emperor’s tax, whilst the second concerns the Temple tax. Through these two stories, Jesus illustrates that money is indeed necessary, particularly in fulfilling one’s responsibilities.

 

With regard to paying tax to Caesar, Jesus acknowledged the obligation to pay tax. However, this does not mean that Jesus approved of all the government’s use of money or power. Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s!”  The meaning of ‘giving to Caesar’ can be understood as a form of civic responsibility, whilst giving to God indicates that human life cannot be reduced solely to material concerns and worldly obligations.

 

Although Jesus recognised the obligation to pay taxes, He also pointed out that money can become part of a system of power and domination over others when misused. For Jesus, money must not be a tool for controlling or dominating human life. 

 

On the other hand, Jesus also revealed another form of Kingdom. The Kingdom in question is the Kingdom of God, which is not built through domination over others.

 

Regarding the Temple tax, it is often understood today that one must give to God in order to be blessed. The passage in Matthew 17:24–27 is also frequently linked to the practice of giving to the church today. However, this passage speaks specifically of the Temple tax. For Jesus, the Temple still held an important place, but He also wished to make it clear that the relationship between humans and God is more than merely a matter of payment. 

 

Conclusion 

For Jesus, money has a tendency to become mammon, something that can enslave people. However, Jesus also emphasised that everyone must fulfil their respective responsibilities. Money and wealth in this world are often a source of trouble, and many wrongs can occur due to the misuse of money. Therefore, people must remain wise so that their lives are not centred on money, but on the love of God. 

 

In life, a moderate approach or middle ground is required when dealing with money. As taught in the Lord’s Prayer, we are taught to be content with what we have. Jesus teaches us to adopt a moderate attitude, recognising that wealth is not everything and that at certain times it may be lost, yet one should not be left with nothing either. By having, one is able to share and also be a blessing to others.

 

Conclusion

Money is indeed necessary. Indeed, even Jesus used money to fulfil His responsibilities. Therefore, live with a sense of contentment when it comes to money. Do not make money the be-all and end-all of life, but use what you have to share, to rejoice, and to live a life that is pleasing to God.

 

This article is adapted from the Bible Seminar programme. Watch the full video version on LAI’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/watch?v=ioOYpFs3cI8