What Jesus Said About Money and Possessions
What Jesus Said About Money and Possessions
Money. We all need it, worry about it, and sometimes chase after it. But what did Jesus say about it? Surprisingly, He talked about money a lot. In fact, He said more about money and possessions than about heaven and hell combined.
Why? Because how we handle money reveals what’s really in our hearts.
Jesus didn’t just give financial advice—He showed us a whole new way to think about wealth. Let’s break it down.
1. “You Can’t Serve Both God and Money”
One of Jesus’ most direct statements about money is this:
“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.” (Matthew 6:24)
Jesus wasn’t saying money is evil—He was saying love of money is dangerous. When money becomes our focus, it replaces God in our hearts.
Ever met someone who worked 80-hour weeks, never saw their family, and still felt empty?
Ever seen someone chase after wealth, only to lose their joy?
That’s what Jesus warned about. Money makes a terrible god.
2. “Don’t Store Up Treasures on Earth”
Jesus said:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
What does this mean?
Earthly wealth doesn’t last. Cars break. Phones become outdated. Money loses value.
Heavenly wealth lasts forever. Kindness, generosity, and sharing the Gospel have eternal value.
Jesus isn’t saying, “Never save or plan for the future.” He’s saying, “Don’t make accumulating stuff your life’s goal.”
3. “It’s Hard for a Rich Person to Enter Heaven”
A rich young man once asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus told him to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Him. The man walked away sad because he loved his wealth.
Then Jesus said:
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25)
Wait—does this mean rich people can’t be saved?
No. Jesus meant that wealth can make us self-reliant instead of God-reliant. When we have everything we need, we forget we need God.
But right after this, Jesus said: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27) Even the rich can be saved—if they surrender their hearts to God.
4. “Give to the Needy in Secret”
Jesus warned against giving just to impress others:
“When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do… to be honored by others… But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew 6:2-3)
Why does this matter?
Some people give for show (social media, recognition).
God rewards secret generosity—the kind done just out of love.
Jesus didn’t say if you give—He said when. Giving is a normal part of following Him.
5. “Don’t Worry About Money—Trust God”
Jesus knew we stress over bills, food, and clothes. So He said:
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear… Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26)
What’s the lesson?
Worrying doesn’t help. It doesn’t add a single hour to your life.
God takes care of His children. If He feeds birds and clothes flowers, He’ll take care of you.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work or plan. It means we shouldn’t live in fear over money.
6. “The Danger of Greed”
Jesus told a story about a rich man whose crops produced a huge harvest. Instead of sharing, the man built bigger barns to store it all. Then God said:
“You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20)
What’s the point?
Life is short. You can’t take wealth with you.
Greed makes us forget eternity.
Jesus wasn’t against saving—He was against hoarding while ignoring God and others.
7. “Use Money for Eternal Good”
Jesus told a strange story about a dishonest manager who was about to lose his job. Before getting fired, he forgave people’s debts so they’d owe him favors. Surprisingly, Jesus said:
“Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9)
What does this mean?
Money is temporary—but how we use it can have eternal impact.
Invest in people. Help the poor. Support missions.
Money is a tool, not a goal.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
Jesus’ teachings on money boil down to three big ideas:
Money is a test. What we do with it shows who we really serve.
Generosity matters. God blesses us to bless others.
Trust God, not wealth. He’s our provider.
Final Thought: Where Is Your Heart?
Jesus never said, “Be poor to be holy.” Some of His followers (like Joseph of Arimathea) were wealthy. But He did say:
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Money isn’t evil—but loving it more than God is. So ask yourself:
Do I stress over money more than I trust God?
Am I generous, or do I cling tightly to what I have?
Is my security in my bank account—or in my Heavenly Father?
Jesus’ message is clear: You can’t take it with you—but you can send it ahead by investing in God’s Kingdom.
So how will you use what He’s given you?