The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

LOVE OF MONEY

In addition to being the wisest man ever to live (until Jesus), Solomon was arguably one of the richest men in history (1Ki 10:14 – 25). So when he wrote about wealth, he did so from his own experience. Despite all that Solomon was able to accumulate through his lifetime, he came to the ultimate conclusion that money is ultimately futile and fails to satisfy. Jesus taught about money in Matthew 19:16 – 24 in his encounter with the rich young ruler, and he concluded by saying, “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.”

While money is important for survival, love of money is a detriment to one’s spiritual health. Combining Solomon’s and Jesus’ teachings about money, it becomes clear that money fails to satisfy while on earth, and it can be a stumbling block that keeps people from finding ultimate satisfaction in Jesus. However, when people give away their money and possessions to the poor in the name of Jesus, they store up for themselves treasure in heaven (Mt 19:21). Such lasting, heavenly treasure is much more valuable and beneficial than any possession gained on earth (Mt 6:19 – 21).

Jesus, protect me from the sticky trap of the love of money. Help me to live honestly and generously, knowing that real treasure has nothing to do with dollar signs. Amen.