No, Jesus did not teach about money the most
By Randell Tiongson on February 1st, 2025
As a financial educator and a believer, I often hear the claim that “Jesus spoke more about money than anything else.” In fact, I may have said that a few times in the past… sorry Lord. It’s a statement that has been widely circulated in sermons, financial seminars, and even in the pulpit. But is it actually true? A closer look at Scripture, with proper understanding, reveals a different story. While Jesus certainly spoke about money, wealth, and possessions, His primary focus was on the Kingdom of God and our relationship with Him. However, that does not mean we cannot learn powerful financial principles from His teachings.

What Did Jesus Actually Teach About the Most?
If we study the Gospels carefully, Jesus’ dominant message is about the Kingdom of God. Time and again, He speaks of God’s rule, righteousness, and how people should align their lives with His will. Topics like faith, love, grace, repentance, and eternal life are central to His teachings.
Money and wealth, though frequently mentioned, are often used as illustrations rather than the main subject of His messages. Consider the parables of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7). These teachings are about faith, redemption, and God’s relentless pursuit of His people, rather than financial management.
Why Do People Think Jesus Spoke About Money the Most?
There are certainly many passages where Jesus addresses financial matters. Approximately 16 out of His 38 recorded parables mention money or possessions. He speaks about giving (Mark 12:41-44), stewardship (Luke 16:1-13), and warns against greed (Luke 12:15-21). Because money is interwoven into so many of His teachings, it’s easy to assume that it was His primary topic.
However, quantity does not always equate to priority. Jesus used money as an accessible analogy because it was something people in every era could understand. He knew that wealth could either be a tool for good or an obstacle to faith. When He warned that “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24), He wasn’t saying that money is inherently evil—rather, He was teaching that our ultimate loyalty should belong to God alone.
What Financial Lessons Can We Learn From Jesus’ Teachings?
While Jesus did not focus exclusively on money, His words offer incredible wisdom for how we should handle it. Here are some key lessons:
1. Money is a Heart Issue
In Matthew 6:21, Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This reminds us that our financial choices reflect what we truly value. If we prioritize wealth above all else, it can lead us away from God. But if we use our financial resources wisely and generously, we demonstrate our trust in Him.
2. Stewardship Over Ownership
Jesus’ parables about money often emphasize stewardship rather than ownership. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), He illustrates that everything we have is entrusted to us by God, and we are called to use it wisely. This challenges us to be responsible with our finances—whether through saving, investing, or giving.
3. Contentment is Greater Than Wealth
One of Jesus’ most countercultural teachings is found in Luke 12:15: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” In a world that constantly tells us to chase more, Jesus reminds us that true fulfillment isn’t found in material wealth but in a life aligned with God’s purpose.
4. Generosity is a Reflection of Faith
Jesus consistently taught the importance of generosity. Whether it was the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) or the command to give without expecting in return (Luke 6:38), He made it clear that a giving heart reflects a trust in God’s provision. Financially, this means practicing tithing, charitable giving, and helping those in need as an act of worship.
5. Wealth Can Be a Blessing or a Barrier
Jesus never condemned wealth itself, but He did warn against its dangers. The story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-27) demonstrates how attachment to riches can hinder our spiritual journey. This doesn’t mean that being wealthy is wrong, but it challenges us to ask: Is my money serving God, or is it controlling me?
Final thoughts
While the claim that Jesus spoke about money more than anything else is an exaggeration, there’s no denying that His teachings contain profound financial wisdom. Jesus may not be a financial advisor, but He understood the human heart—and He knew that money would always be a major factor in our lives.
The true lesson from Jesus isn’t just about money management; it’s about trust, priorities, and our relationship with God. Whether we have little or much, we are called to be faithful stewards, generous givers, and people who find our ultimate security not in wealth, but in Him.
So let’s learn from Jesus—not just to be better with money, but to be richer in faith, character, and purpose… and most importantly that He is our Lord and Savior.