Matthew 19:22

Yes, even Jesus talked a lot about money. I think it’s because He knows what a touchy and even confusing topic it is for many of us. In this plan, we look at three somewhat surprising things Jesus said about money to see what we can learn.

The blessing of material wealth that many of us enjoy (especially when compared to the poverty that other nations experience) is something worth giving intentional thought (as well as thanksgiving). How are we to handle our finances? How can we exercise wise stewardship? How can we emphasize the eternal over the temporal? Even more, how can we train our children in this important realm of life? This week we’ll consider some ideas.

Money is an essential means of conducting the affairs of our lives. With it, we purchase necessities, pay bills, tithe, support ministries, and give to others in need. As legitimate as these transactions are, questions of motive and priority are worth asking. Do we possess money, or does it possess us? Or better, do we manage money (since, ultimately, God “owns it all”)? Let’s think about finances this week.

We all have things we treasure like relationships, possessions, and achievements. And while these things bring us satisfaction and joy, the orientation of our lives around these things alone can leave us craving something deeper—ultimate fulfillment. Let’s discover what scripture has to say about the pursuit of treasure and what ultimately can satisfy our desires, both now and into eternity.