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.

When I first began to think seriously about money, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of financial advice out there. From investment strategies to financial concepts, the options seemed endless and often conflicting. But then, I turned to the Bible—a source of wisdom I’ve relied on for guidance in so many areas of my life—and I was amazed at how practical and profound its teachings on money are.

What struck me most was how timeless and universal the principles of biblical financial stewardship are. They don’t require advanced degrees or intricate knowledge of financial systems. Instead, they offer simple yet profound truths that can help anyone, regardless of their financial status. Here, I want to share why I believe biblical financial stewardship is not just a spiritual ideal but also a practical approach filled with wisdom.

It Starts with Ownership

The first principle of biblical financial stewardship that transformed my thinking was the concept of ownership. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (ESV). This reminded me that everything I have—my income, my possessions, even my abilities—ultimately belongs to God.

Recognizing this shifted my perspective. Instead of viewing money as something to hoard or control, I began to see it as a resource entrusted to me. This mindset encouraged me to handle my finances with care and intentionality, knowing I’m accountable for how I use them. It also freed me from the constant anxiety of ownership because I realized I’m a steward, not the ultimate provider.

Living Within Your Means

One of the most practical aspects of biblical stewardship is the emphasis on living within your means. Proverbs 21:20 states, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it” (ESV). For me, this was a wake-up call to practice self-control and avoid the temptation of overspending.

Living within my means didn’t just help me avoid debt; it also gave me peace of mind. I started budgeting, distinguishing between needs and wants, and learning to be content with what I have. Contentment, as 1 Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (ESV). This principle has kept me grounded, especially in a world that constantly pushes consumerism.

Avoiding Debt

The Bible doesn’t forbid debt outright, but it warns against the dangers of becoming enslaved to it. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender” (ESV). This wisdom helped me understand the long-term implications of borrowing.

I used to think of debt as a necessary part of life, but the biblical perspective encouraged me to minimize it as much as possible. I started paying off existing debts aggressively and thinking twice before taking on new ones. The freedom I’ve gained from reducing debt is something I can’t put a price on.

Generosity as a Lifestyle

One of the most beautiful and challenging aspects of biblical stewardship is the call to generosity. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive'” (ESV). At first, giving felt counterintuitive, especially when I was trying to save and manage my resources. But as I began to practice generosity, I experienced its profound wisdom.

Giving taught me to trust in God’s provision. It also helped me break free from materialism and develop a heart of compassion for others. Whether it’s tithing, supporting a cause, or helping someone in need, generosity has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my financial journey.

Planning and Saving

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of planning and saving. Proverbs 6:6-8 points to the ant as an example of diligence and foresight: “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest” (ESV). This inspired me to create an emergency fund and start saving for long-term goals.

Planning doesn’t mean I rely solely on my efforts. Instead, it’s about partnering with God in wisely managing what He’s given me. It’s a balance between faith and action—trusting God while also doing my part.

Avoiding the Love of Money

Perhaps the most important principle I’ve learned is to guard against the love of money. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (ESV). This doesn’t mean money is bad; it’s about the attitude we have toward it.

I’ve learned to see money as a tool rather than an end goal. It’s a resource that can be used to glorify God, bless others, and provide for needs. Keeping this perspective has helped me avoid the trap of greed and maintain a sense of purpose in my financial decisions.

A Life of Peace and Purpose

Embracing biblical financial stewardship has not only improved my finances but also enriched my life in ways I didn’t expect. It’s given me a sense of peace, knowing I’m managing resources according to God’s principles. It’s also provided a deeper sense of purpose, as I’ve seen how financial faithfulness can make a positive impact on others.

The wisdom of the Bible is timeless, and its principles are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. Whether you’re struggling with debt, trying to save, or looking for a way to give back, I believe biblical financial stewardship offers practical guidance and profound wisdom for anyone seeking to honor God with their finances.

Seek first!

Personal finance can be overwhelming. From trying to save for the future, paying off debt, navigating investment options, and making sure there’s enough to cover daily expenses—it sometimes feels like a never-ending balancing act. But over the years, I’ve found a perspective that has brought me not only peace but also purpose in managing my finances, and it comes from Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

At first glance, this verse may not seem like it has much to do with money. But when I began applying it to how I handle my resources, everything changed.

Prioritizing God Over Money

I used to think financial security came from earning more, saving more, and investing wisely. While those are important, they became my central focus. My heart was consumed with anxiety over whether I had enough or if I was doing enough. Matthew 6:33 made me realize that my priorities were out of order. Instead of trusting in money, I needed to trust in God.

What this verse taught me is that my primary focus shouldn’t be on my bank account, but on seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness. When I realigned my priorities—putting God first—I discovered a deeper sense of peace in how I handled my money. This shift wasn’t about neglecting my financial responsibilities but about reordering them under God’s guidance.

Making Faith the Foundation of Financial Decisions

This change in focus impacted every aspect of how I manage my personal finances. First, it reminded me that everything I have comes from God. My income, savings, and even my ability to earn are blessings that He has entrusted to me. That understanding gave me a new sense of stewardship over my finances. My goal was no longer to accumulate wealth for myself, but to use what I had in ways that aligned with God’s purposes.

This led to tangible changes in how I budgeted and spent. For example, giving became a priority. Whether it was tithing, supporting charities, or helping others in need, I began to see giving as a way to partner with God in His work. Instead of feeling reluctant, I started giving cheerfully, knowing that God would continue to provide for me.

I also learned contentment. In a world that pushes us to want more, Matthew 6:33 reminds me that God will take care of my needs. I don’t need to chase after wealth or material things. This gave me the freedom to live more simply, to save with purpose, and to invest wisely but without obsession. I learned to trust that as long as I put God first, the rest would fall into place.

Freedom from Financial Anxiety

One of the biggest blessings of living out Matthew 6:33 in my personal finances has been freedom from worry. Like many people, I used to stress constantly about the future—whether I’d have enough for retirement or if an emergency would wipe out my savings. But this verse reminds me that God is my provider. If I seek Him first, He promises that all the things I need will be provided.

This doesn’t mean I live recklessly or ignore good financial habits. I still budget, save, and plan. But now, I do it with a sense of trust rather than fear. I don’t have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, because I know God is in control.

A Deeper Purpose for Wealth

Finally, Matthew 6:33 has given me a new sense of purpose in how I view wealth. I no longer see money as an end goal, but as a tool to accomplish something greater—God’s kingdom work. My financial decisions are guided by this higher purpose. Whether it’s supporting ministries, investing in opportunities that align with my values, or simply being generous to those around me, I now use my resources in a way that reflects God’s priorities.

In the end, Matthew 6:33 isn’t just a spiritual verse for me; it’s a guiding principle for how I live and manage my finances. When I seek God first, everything else falls into place. My financial life is no longer driven by fear or the pursuit of wealth, but by faith, trust, and a desire to honor God with all He’s given me.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of personal finance, I encourage you to take a step back and consider what it means to seek first God’s kingdom. You might just find the peace and purpose you’ve been looking for in managing your money.

I always end my talks with this: Wealth and the ability to create wealth comes from the Lord and it is not for our own purpose but for His.