It's Just Money

Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

John 2:13-17

Clearly, Jesus is pretty serious about how we use money and how we make money. I don’t recall any other instance where Jesus was this angry; there is no other instance recorded of Jesus displaying anger in the Bible.

Why was he so angry?

How we use money, and how we make money says something about us.

Most people go through life not understanding the importance of money.

Everyone knows that having money is pretty important for some things, like buying food, paying rent or mortgage, buying a car, clothing, etc.

But most people do not understand that money is not just a tool, it’s also a TEST.

What do I mean by that? Stay with me, because what I am about to tell you can change your life and the lives of your children, or anyone you have influence.

Money is a Test

Parable of the Minas Luke 19:11-27

A godly principle is established here by Jesus:

When we’re faithful over small things, God will give us greater opportunities.

Have you been faithful over money, a small thing?

Parable of the Rich Fool Luke 12:16-21

Jesus teaches here the danger of storing up your wealth, rather than being rich toward God. How can I be rich toward God?

Giving to the poor, widows, orphans.

Using your wealth to establish and expand the Kingdom of God, by investing in evangelism and discipleship.

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Exodus 22:25 “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.