Did Jesus Promote Socialism? - Part 1

*Updated 12/2019*

What comes to mind when you read the word "socialism?" Some people think of Karl Marx. Some thing of communist China. Some thing of Bernie Sanders or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Some people think freedom or fair. A few days ago, I saw on Facebook a discussion about socialism being Christian.

This made me think, “Is socialism and the redistribution of wealth a ‘Christian’ ideal? Is this what Jesus taught?” Over the next several blogs, I will look over the teachings of Jesus Christ to examine this question. I will look at passages regarding the poor, the sick, taxation, and the sharing of resources. There is no doubt, Jesus was engaged in helping the down and out. Yet the question remains, “Did Jesus Promote Socialism?” Let’s begin by looking at passages regarding the poor.

The Poor

“If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (NASB, Luke 6:32-36).

“And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (NASB, Luke 14:12-14)

Luke 6:20-49 mirrors Matthew 5-7. These passages are the well-known Sermon on the Mount. This was the first major instance that Jesus taught in detail about the positions his followers should have toward worldly wealth. Craig Blomberg’s book Neither Poverty nor Riches states “Jesus is speaking first of all to those who already are disciples, and he is speaking to them in community." Why would we lend to those who we are likely to be unable to repay us? Matthew Henry says “Here are two motives to this generous charity. It will redound to our profit; for our reward shall be great, v. 35. What is lent and lost on earth, from a true principle of charity, will be made up to us.”

In Luke 14:7-12, Jesus teaches about two things. First, He spoke to the guests about not seeking public honor. Service is better than high position. Second, He spoke to the host about not being discriminatory about who he invites. This is true of God and Heaven. God’s offer of grace is free to anyone who accepts it.

In Christ’s time, the culture worked in a patronage system. That is, people of influence and wealth would use their resources on people. In return they would expect to receive business and political opportunities, and watch out for their partner’s well-being. As is common in our culture, dinners and networking events were necessary. That is why Jesus’ command is so shocking to his contemporaries. These suggestions were financial and influential insanity!

It is obvious that Jesus ate dinner with his family, disciples, and friends. That’s what a good family member and friend did. And we should ask the question, “How much of our resources should be spent on our peers and those in need?” In Generous Justice Timothy Keller puts it this way: “…in a more modern context-he is saying that we should spend far more of our money and wealth on the poor than we do on our own entertainment, or on vacations…and socializing with important peers.” Jesus and His followers helped the poor to lessen despair. Jesus knew that everything they had and we now have is God’s. Our possessions are on loan from Him. If we believe that, we will generous with His resources to serve those around us – both those we love and those who need love.

Does Luke 6 and Luke 14 suggest socialism? Far from it. It reminds us that God is the source of all of our resources. As a follower of Christ, we are to help those in need freely because of our love of God. Because we want to be good stewards of what he has given us. God does not rip His money and resources out of our hands to give away. That is not God’s model. God wants us help as the Spirit leads in accordance to our love for Him.

Reflect
In the next two blogs, I will examine two more passages regarding Jesus’ teaching on the poor. Until then, examine your heart and ask yourself, “Do I really believe that all I have is on loan from God? If so, how do I use my resources? Am I a giver or a hoarder? When I give, do I give out of compulsion or out of love for God?”