1. Matthew 4: 8-9: Jesus on money teaches us that wealth is not the goal

This is the first post that I will be undertaking over the next 2 weeks in which we will be looking at everything (pretty much!) Jesus said about money in the gospels. In order to do this I will be putting up two posts each day. This is coinciding with a 2-week preaching series that we going through at Community Church Putney- Jesus On Giving. 

When asked for an article explaining how he succeeded in becoming the world’s richest man, J. Paul Getty sent the following ‘article’,

'Some people find oil. Others don’t.'

To be wealthy we need to ‘strike oil’; but what is it to 'strike oil' and become wealthy? Jesus teaches us that great wealth is something surprising, and something we can all have!

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus is tempted by the devil. He tempts Him to misuse His power for vain glory. Finally, attempting a final knock-out punch, he offers Jesus the wealth of the world,

'Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”' (Matthew 4: 8-9)

Satan offers Jesus a cheap opportunity to ’strike oil’- you can have it all! “Jesus, You can have wealth and adoration, the thing that everybody strives for,  if you will worship me".

Jesus is tempted to bypass God’s will for selfish gain and ambition.  

The devil has underestimated Jesus. For Jesus, wealth, power and vain glory are not His greatest aims; His greatest aim is worship (the glory of God). The question for Jesus, when offered unlimited wealth was, what will honour and please my Father?

'Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.' (Matthew 4:10-11)

So, according to Mr. Getty,  to be wealthy we need to ‘strike oil’; but what is it to 'strike oil' and become wealthy? Jesus on money teaches us that great wealth is something surprising, and something we can all have; it is living a life of worship: loving obedience to God, serving Him each day with a clear conscience; this is true wealth and true joy!

The devil still tempts us, and tries to take us off track through the pursuit of wealth, power and vain glory- is that ‘striking oil’ for you?

Take a moment to ask God to search you: is worship your goal or is it wealth?