Jesus Loves The Rich
Mary took a pound of costly ointment and anointed Jesus' feet... The aroma of the perfume filled the house. But Judas protested, saying, "Why wasn't this ointment sold for 300 denarii and given to charity?" (1–2 John 12:1–8)
Despite Judas' objections, Jesus received the gift entire year's wage in perfume—while sitting comfortably at the table. This was the same Jesus who was born in a stall, died on a dump, and had nowhere to sleep. This same Jesus received benefits normally reserved for corporate leaders, preferred country club members, and bluebloods.
Furthermore, in his unlimited wisdom—a knowledge that is often baffling but always greater than ours—Jesus has assigned some of his children to live in poverty and others to dwell in luxury.
Job, the most God-like guy on the planet, was also the richest (Job 1:3). Abraham thrived in terms of land and cattle (Gen. 13:2). Solomon sought God for knowledge and received both (2 Chron. 1:11–12). Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, both powerful and wealthy men, arranged for Jesus' burial (John 19:38–42). The Bible never condemns these people or others for their wealth. In reality, Scripture appears to indicate that "living large" is a quality of God's universe that is free of sin and evil. History began in an extravagant paradise and will conclude in an extravagant city full of palaces, priceless gems, and gold-paved streets.
However, the following is also correct:
Those who wish to be wealthy fall prey to temptation, a trap, and a slew of stupid and dangerous desires that lead to disaster and devastation. For the love of money is the source of all evils. (1 Timothy 6:8–10)
You can't serve two masters... you can't serve God and money. (Matthew 10:21)
The rich young ruler, who was enamored with his possessions, was told by Jesus that he would not be able to enter life unless he sold everything and donated it to the poor.
Why would Jesus instruct the rich king to give everything to the needy but not Abraham or Job? It was because the wealthy ruler lacked money. He was owned by money. The man who believed he couldn't live without his money would, in fact, be unable to live with it.
The Bible never teaches that having wealth is sinful; the problem is wanting and serving wealth. It is never stated that money is the root of all evil; rather, the desire of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:10).
Compassion for the Wealthy?
The rich ruler preferred money to Jesus. The thought of losing his premium identity was too much for him to handle. However, as the rich ruler fled into the embrace of luxury, Jesus gazed at him and loved him (Mark 10:21).
How could Jesus love this man who had turned him down for money? A man who prioritized his reputation and his cash over anything else? Jesus was able to look beyond the greed to the fears and insecurities that fuel it. Can we, too, look at the wealthy king and fall in love with him? "We're coming to your house today," we may say to Zacchaeus, the wealthy, corrupt, unjust, and friendless tax collector. We'd like to eat with you and be your buddy.
Why are anxiety and despair more common among the wealthy? According to Henry David Thoreau, most men live lives of silent despair and die with the song still in their hearts. This is the tragic biographical overview of many of the world's wealthiest, who have been thrown into disaster by the poverty of their fortunes. According to psychotherapist Madeleine Levine in her book The Price of Privilege:
Preteens and teens from rich, well-educated homes are America's (most) at-risk demographic. Despite their economic and social advantages, "affluent children" have among the highest rates of depression, substance addiction, anxiety disorders, physical complaints, and dissatisfaction of any group of children. Twenty-two percent of adolescent females from well-off families suffer from clinical depression. This is three times the national adolescent girl depression rate.
Things aren't always what they appear to be.
Jesus saw the rich man overcome with greed and loved him.❤️