The central theme of this discourse revolves around the critical examination of the financial supporters of Jesus’ ministry, which challenges the pervasive myth of His financial inadequacy. We elucidate that Jesus' ministry was not an exercise in financial serendipity; rather, it was sustained through intentional and ongoing support from His followers, particularly women of means who were strategically positioned to contribute. By analyzing the Gospel of Luke, we discover that the financial backing Jesus received was not only essential for His mission but also indicative of God’s design in utilizing people to fund His work. Furthermore, we reflect on the spiritual implications of financial support, affirming that such contributions do not diminish spirituality but rather enhance the partnership in Kingdom work. Ultimately, we aim to reshape perceptions regarding wealth and provision, emphasizing that receiving support is not an act of arrogance but a recognition of God’s provision. The discussion unfolds the intricate relationship between Jesus and His financial supporters, providing a profound examination of how His ministry was sustained over three and a half years. It emphasizes that Jesus did not embark on His journey in a state of lack; rather, He was supported by means that were both intentional and material. The podcast elucidates the pivotal role of financial backing by His followers, particularly the women noted in the Gospel of Luke, who provided consistent support. This challenges the prevailing notion that Jesus operated in financial obscurity, as Luke's Gospel illustrates that His ministry was undergirded by ongoing contributions from individuals who were not only devoted but also strategically positioned within society to facilitate this support. The insights shared reveal that God utilized people, rather than miracles, as the primary means of funding the ministry, thereby inviting believers into a deeper understanding of stewardship and partnership with divine purpose.
Takeaways:
Jesus' ministry was sustained through the ongoing financial support of dedicated individuals, emphasizing the importance of human partnership in divine work.
The notion that Jesus operated without financial backing is dismantled by the evidence of His supporters, particularly the women who contributed from their means.
God's provision for Jesus' ministry highlights that giving is a critical aspect of discipleship and involvement in the mission of the Kingdom.
Receiving support for ministry is not an act of arrogance; rather, it reflects a willingness to accept God's provision and participate in His work.
Transcripts
Speaker A:
Welcome back to the series of messages in the series Jesus the Wealthy Savior.
Speaker A:
And in the first message we established a foundational truth.
Speaker A:
Jesus did not begin his life in lack.
Speaker A:
He began with provision, preparation and purpose.
Speaker A:
Gold, frankincense and myrrh showed us that God funds what he sends.
Speaker A:
Now we move from birth provision to ministry sustainability.
Speaker A:
Because the real question is not did Jesus ever receive wealth?
Speaker A:
The real question is how was his ministry sustained for three and a half years?
Speaker A:
Today's message is Jesus and his financial supporters.
Speaker A:
After this, Jesus traveled about from town to town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Speaker A:
The twelve were with him and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases.
Speaker A:
Mary called Magdalene Joanna, the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household.
Speaker A:
Susanna and many others.
Speaker A:
These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Speaker A:
This verse quietly dismantles the myth of a financially unsupported Jesus.
Speaker A:
Jesus ministry was not financially accidental.
Speaker A:
Jesus traveled constantly.
Speaker A:
He taught daily.
Speaker A:
He fed people.
Speaker A:
He housed disciples.
Speaker A:
He operated without farming, trading or personal business that requires intentional provision.
Speaker A:
Luke does not imply casual generosity.
Speaker A:
He states ongoing financial support helping to support them out of their own means.
Speaker A:
Means consistent material financial backing.
Speaker A:
Now, Jesus ministry was spirit led.
Speaker A:
It was mission driven and people funded by God's design.
Speaker A:
God used people, not miracles, to fund the ministry.
Speaker A:
Now, Jesus could multiply money, he could command resources, he could summon angels.
Speaker A:
Yet God chose something very profound.
Speaker A:
He funded the ministry through people.
Speaker A:
And why is that?
Speaker A:
Because giving is discipleship.
Speaker A:
Provision creates partnership and wealth connects believers to the mission.
Speaker A:
Miracles were not used to replace stewardship.
Speaker A:
They were used to reveal kingdom principles.
Speaker A:
God intentionally involved people in financing the gospel.
Speaker A:
The financial supporters were strategic, not random.
Speaker A:
Look closely at who supported Jesus.
Speaker A:
Mary from Magdalene delivered, loyal and transformed.
Speaker A:
Joanna, wife of Herod's household major.
Speaker A:
She had elite access.
Speaker A:
Susanna, she's a name contributor and many others structured organized giving.
Speaker A:
Now this tells us that Jesus had supporters with means.
Speaker A:
Influence and access were part of provision.
Speaker A:
And wealth and position were not rejected.
Speaker A:
They were redeemed.
Speaker A:
God placed Jesus in proximity to people who had resources.
Speaker A:
And revelation supporting Jesus did not diminish their spirituality.
Speaker A:
These women were not rebuked.
Speaker A:
They were not corrected.
Speaker A:
They were not warned about materialism.
Speaker A:
Luke records their giving as honourable discipleship.
Speaker A:
This shatters the false idea that money is less spiritual.
Speaker A:
Supporting ministry is secondary and only preaching matters in God's economy.
Speaker A:
Provision is ministry.
Speaker A:
Jesus never apologized for being supported.
Speaker A:
Jesus did not refuse support to appear humble, pretend to struggle to seem holy or reject provision to look spiritual.
Speaker A:
He received what God provided.
Speaker A:
This teaches believers something very powerful.
Speaker A:
Receiving provision is not arrogance.
Speaker A:
Refusing God's provision can be pride.
Speaker A:
Now what this teaches believers about godly prosperity 1.
Speaker A:
God funds his work through people.
Speaker A:
Now if God's blessing you financially, it may be because you are called to support kingdom work and you are positioned as a conduit, not an owner.
Speaker A:
2.
Speaker A:
Prosperity creates partnership.
Speaker A:
Giving connects you to outcomes beyond your reach.
Speaker A:
3.
Speaker A:
Wealth is redeemed through purpose.
Speaker A:
Money becomes holy when aligned with God's mission.
Speaker A:
4.
Speaker A:
Jesus modeled sustainable ministry.
Speaker A:
Not burnout, not manipulation, not begging, just provision through obedience.
Speaker A:
Here are some reflection questions.
Speaker A:
1.
Speaker A:
How do you feel about financially supporting God's work?
Speaker A:
And then 2.
Speaker A:
Have you spiritualized, lack and demonized provision?
Speaker A:
And then 3.
Speaker A:
Are you willing to be both a receiver and a distributor?
Speaker A:
Here are some practical applications.
Speaker A:
Let us take time to pray and ask God what where we are called to fund kingdom work.
Speaker A:
Let us release guilt associated with having resources and let us view giving as participation, not obligation.
Speaker A:
Let us pray.
Speaker A:
Lord Jesus, you allowed your ministry to be sustained by faithful, obedient supporters.
Speaker A:
Heal our thinking about money and ministry.
Speaker A:
Teach us to give without pride, receive without shame and steward without fear.
Speaker A:
May our resources advance your kingdom and never replace our dependence on you.
