Ran across this article yesterday. It poses the question, “Was Jesus wealthy?” Believe it or not, depending on the one you ask, you’ll get a different answer. Apparently the argument for Jesus’ personal wealth (or family’s wealth) is one made by proponents of the prosperity gospel movement. I struggle to find a biblical basis to support the positions espoused by the promoters of the prosperity doctrine. As I read through the CNN article, I was amazed at some of the claims suggested by these ministers. The epidemic of Bible illiteracy seems to be greater than I first thought? If nothing more, it’s a strong encouragement for those of us teaching God’s word to make sure we’ve done our homework. Know the context, history, and language – it’ll change the way you teach. By the way, here’s the link to the article. It’s rather long, but you need to read it all the way through. There are a few places I had to laugh, and then I realized this was stuff people actually believed and taught.
Hello!
You ask this: ““Was Jesus wealthy?” “
If you by that mean the historical Ribi Yehoshua ha-Mashiakh from Nazareth, then there is no evidence that he was poor.
“Carpentry in the first century was a profession. The family was of the Royal House of Dâwid ha-Mëlëkh, had been given extravagant endowments by the Iranians (magi) when Yәhoshua was 6 months old and educated him under the tutorship of those who had learned in the greatest library in the ancient world in Alexandria, Egypt. There is no evidence that he was poor. That is strictly a Hellenist Roman concept designed to make the poor masses content with their lot.” (quote http://www.netzarim.co.il)
It it important to know what the historical Messiah taught. A logical analysis (found in the above website)of the earliest manusscripts (including the logical implications of the research by Ben-Gurion Univ. Prof. of Linguistics Elisha Qimron of Dead Sea Scroll 4Q MMT) of “the gospel of Matthew”, implies that Ribi Yehoshua was a Torah-teaching Perushi (Pharisee). His teachings are found in the above website.
Best regards, Anders Branderud
Hey Anders,
Thanks for taking the time to stop by the blog and comment. I’ll certainly take a look at the information and get back with you regarding my thoughts.
Thanks,
Brad
Hello Brad!
You’re welcome!
Regards, Anders Branderud
Sorry it took so long to get back with you. As I review the information, I still hold the claim that I do not believe Jesus to be financially wealthy during His ministry on earth. The evidence doesn’t seem to support the position. While there are assumptions (somewhat extreme), which could be made to support a wealthier Jesus, there is nothing substantial to support this position. Secondly, prophecy regarding the Messiah would indicate someone of a lesser stature than of greater stature.
As I review your site, I was somewhat cautious regarding the information proposed and claims asserted. Your site is certainly unorthodox. There are claims made which are contrary to orthodox faith. In fact, there are statements that might be potentially considered heretical in Christian circles. My first reaction is to be wise and careful in the interpretation of what you’ve presented. I find the faith of a few, claiming to hold the “true light” in faith and the true path to God to be somewhat unsettling even cultic.
I’m sure my words sound harsh and they’re not meant to be, just my impressions of the work on the site you’ve shared.
Regards,
Brad