Did Jesus Promote Socialism? - Part 3

*Updated 12/2019*

Welcome to this week's continued discussion of "Did Jesus Promote Socialism?" The past two weeks we've looked at Jesus' teaching about how we are to care for the poor. In case you haven't read these yet, you can go read Part 1 or Part 2 at your convenience. This week we'll look at two more passages the poor. Let's see what Jesus had to say.

“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 6:34-36).

“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 other words, if we want to impact the people around us, we need to be operating as that of a Christ-follower rather than a non-believer. We are forgiven people and owe all to God. Therefore, we need to be people who give freely with no strings attached. We need to love and give to those with no expectancy of repayment. If we live in a quid pro quo mentality, we will only resemble the world. Not that of a Christ follower.

In Luke 14:7-15, 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; Jesus ate dinner with his family, disciples, and friends. 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.

As followers of Christ we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. I just preached this very sermon last week. Check it out here: Cultivating a Faith that Attracts Others. We are to be the hands and feet of Christ through our actions and how we treat others. We are to be spiritual light to the world by how we speak to and about others. This means, we are to treat people without partiality. We are to do good because God has done to us the greatest good: offering salvation as a free gift that NO ONE CAN REPAY.

Yet again, these passages teach us to love as Christ loves and to do good without expecting anything in return. It does not teach that we are to be forced to give or to redistribute our wealth. We must always remember that God wants us to serve and give out of love for Him and for people who are made in His image. So let us all be ready to serve, host, and give freely out of our deep love for Him and all people without preference.

Next week, we'll look at the what Jesus taught about caring for the sick.