How money affects discipleship

Bud Brown May 22, 2019

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If you want to know the spiritual condition of the people in your church, look at their finances. You’ll immediately see if they take discipleship seriously. 

Here’s how Jesus looked at the situation. He declared, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Two back-to-back stories in Luke make an irrefutable case. In the contrasting attitudes of the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18–23) and Zaccheus (Luke 19:1–10) toward wealth, you’ll discover one hallmark that distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. Disciples see themselves as stewards, not owners.

The rich young ruler asked Jesus a question he had just answered. “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it” (18:17). We have nothing to offer God in exchange for entering the kingdom. Faith (in response to grace), not merit, is the sole condition. The follow-up question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (18:18) shows that the lesson didn’t sink in. 

After some banter about meritorious behavior, Jesus gets at the problem; the inquisitor’s love of money. “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (18:22). 

This clear invitation to discipleship revealed in the phrase “Come, follow me,” inflicted great pain. Rather than rejoice, he left “very sorrowful, for he was very rich.” His love of money caused great sorrow (cf. 1 Timothy 6:10).  

Contrast Zaccheus’s reaction. When Jesus requested his hospitality, Zaccheus expressed great joy (19:6) and lavished great generosity: “I give half of my goods to the poor, and if I have taken anything form anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold” (19:8). Jesus saw this as evidence that Zaccheus’s heart was in the right place. He was a spiritual descendant of Abraham (19:9), sharing his faith (cf. Romans 4:1–15).

Two men encounter Jesus, seeking to join his circle. Jesus asked one to forsake all his wealth. He asked the other for a place to rest that evening. Zaccheus welcomed Jesus. His lavish generosity revealed his heart. The rich young ruler did not follow because he could not bring himself to let go of his wealth.

Here we see one crucial difference between those who follow Jesus as his disciples and those who see him as a “good teacher”—perhaps even believing in him. 

Disciples see themselves as stewards, not owners. When it is time to release wealth for the sake of welcoming Jesus into their lives, they do so with joy.

Pastor, perhaps it is time for you to ask the awkward financial questions of your staff, your church leaders and your congregation. Jesus didn’t shrink from it and neither should you. 

Consider also asking your church’s elected officers to discern whether they live as stewards rather than as owners. You may have an opportunity to disciple them.

Photo source: istock 

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Bud Brown is an experienced ministry leader, writer and educator. He is co-founder of Turnaround Pastors and co-author of the ground-breaking Pastor Unique: Becoming A Turnaround Leader. He brings special expertise to change leadership in the local church, mentoring pastors to become revitalization leaders, training churches how to find and recruit the best talent, and training leadership teams how to achieve their shared goals. Learn More »

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