Who Jesus Was - Part 8: Did Jesus Works For Money?
Written by: Delbert Magusara Haim
February 2, 2013
In this statement of Jesus about the dealing of money, it says it is lawful to the people that they should give as required by law. This type of ordinance is also known and written in the epistle of Paul after Jesus ascended to heaven, that we should obey the rules of the government.
So both Jesus and the Apostle Paul preached on how to obey the rules of men and at the same time it will only happen when we are working with them. But the question did Jesus works for money is still unclear in these two passages. My logical proof is not so sure but at least it comes from his words that says; “bring me a penny, that I may see it”. Obviously, in his ministry Jesus did not works neither brings money to survive. In fact, he did more miracles to supply their needs like the miracle in Cana (John 2) and the five loaves with two fishes (Matt. 14). Taking a short background of his family, he was just a son of Joseph the carpenter. In other words, they are not rich and their income is enough for food and shelter. Thinking that Jesus would help his father to work is possible but considering the mind of Jesus that says; Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? , here it is impossible.
I believe Jesus has contentment with regards to material things as his father Joseph provided for them. The reason is he was belong to Joseph’s responsibility at his young age and contented of what they have. Thus I could conclude that his confident of trusting what he believes of not taking thought for tomorrow is just begun when he was a child. Jesus is not a normal child at the age of twelve as we discuss in our previous articles. I think he trusted his father Joseph’s ability in providing their house until such time that his father in heaven provided him powers for the sake of his ministry thus he said; take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
We can also compare this situation in time of Paul’s ministry after Jesus ascended to heaven. Paul said;
These only mean that a father should work to provide his house for their needs and having food and raiment the house be therewith content. The statement of Paul that says; “if any would not work, neither should he eat, is not addressed to all members of the house, but to the father who has responsibility since the time of Adam.
So the same with Jesus, he trusted his father Joseph to provide them while he was a child and thereafter he trusted his father in heaven to supply his ministry.
Therefore he did not work for money in his earthly life. And if you have any proofs that he did, please write in my home page so I can rewrite this article.
Thank you.
February 2, 2013
- Mar 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
In this statement of Jesus about the dealing of money, it says it is lawful to the people that they should give as required by law. This type of ordinance is also known and written in the epistle of Paul after Jesus ascended to heaven, that we should obey the rules of the government.
- Rom 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
So both Jesus and the Apostle Paul preached on how to obey the rules of men and at the same time it will only happen when we are working with them. But the question did Jesus works for money is still unclear in these two passages. My logical proof is not so sure but at least it comes from his words that says; “bring me a penny, that I may see it”. Obviously, in his ministry Jesus did not works neither brings money to survive. In fact, he did more miracles to supply their needs like the miracle in Cana (John 2) and the five loaves with two fishes (Matt. 14). Taking a short background of his family, he was just a son of Joseph the carpenter. In other words, they are not rich and their income is enough for food and shelter. Thinking that Jesus would help his father to work is possible but considering the mind of Jesus that says; Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? , here it is impossible.
I believe Jesus has contentment with regards to material things as his father Joseph provided for them. The reason is he was belong to Joseph’s responsibility at his young age and contented of what they have. Thus I could conclude that his confident of trusting what he believes of not taking thought for tomorrow is just begun when he was a child. Jesus is not a normal child at the age of twelve as we discuss in our previous articles. I think he trusted his father Joseph’s ability in providing their house until such time that his father in heaven provided him powers for the sake of his ministry thus he said; take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
We can also compare this situation in time of Paul’s ministry after Jesus ascended to heaven. Paul said;
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
- 1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
- 1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
These only mean that a father should work to provide his house for their needs and having food and raiment the house be therewith content. The statement of Paul that says; “if any would not work, neither should he eat, is not addressed to all members of the house, but to the father who has responsibility since the time of Adam.
- Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
So the same with Jesus, he trusted his father Joseph to provide them while he was a child and thereafter he trusted his father in heaven to supply his ministry.
Therefore he did not work for money in his earthly life. And if you have any proofs that he did, please write in my home page so I can rewrite this article.
Thank you.