Topical Bible: The Poor: Christ Lived As One of

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The life of Jesus Christ, as depicted in the New Testament, is a profound testament to His identification with the poor and marginalized. From His humble birth to His ministry and crucifixion, Christ's life exemplifies a deliberate choice to live in poverty, aligning Himself with those who are often overlooked and oppressed.

Birth and Early Life

Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph, a carpenter, in circumstances that underscored His humble beginnings. The Gospel of Luke records that Mary laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7). This setting, a stable, was far from the grandeur expected of a king, highlighting His entrance into the world in poverty.

The offering made by Mary and Joseph at the temple further illustrates their modest means. According to the Law of Moses, they presented "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons" (Luke 2:24), an allowance made for those who could not afford a lamb (Leviticus 12:8).

Ministry and Lifestyle

Throughout His ministry, Jesus continued to live without material wealth. In Matthew 8:20 , Jesus Himself states, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." This declaration reveals His itinerant lifestyle, dependent on the hospitality of others and devoid of earthly possessions.

Jesus' choice of disciples also reflects His association with the common people. He called fishermen, a tax collector, and others from ordinary backgrounds, emphasizing His mission to reach the everyday person rather than the elite.

Teachings on Poverty

Christ's teachings frequently addressed the plight of the poor and the responsibilities of His followers toward them. In the Beatitudes, He proclaims, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This statement elevates the status of the poor, promising them a place in God's kingdom.

Moreover, Jesus' parables often highlighted the virtues of the poor and the dangers of wealth. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), Jesus contrasts the earthly luxury of the rich man with the suffering of Lazarus, who is ultimately comforted in the afterlife, while the rich man faces torment.

Crucifixion and Death

The culmination of Christ's identification with the poor is seen in His crucifixion. Jesus was executed as a common criminal, subjected to the most humiliating and painful form of Roman capital punishment. His garments were divided among the soldiers, leaving Him with nothing (John 19:23-24), a stark image of His complete divestment of worldly goods.

Significance

Christ's life as one of the poor serves as a powerful model for His followers, emphasizing humility, reliance on God, and compassion for the marginalized. His example challenges believers to prioritize spiritual riches over material wealth and to serve those in need, reflecting the heart of the Gospel message.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 8:20
And Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has not where to lay his head.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Following "Whithersoever"
... Christ lived a dedicated life; he was dedicated to his Father's will and accomplished
his work; he gave himself solely to ... But Christ was not always poor. ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-two following whithersoever.htm

Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit
... '"poor helpless peasant ... at the helpless impotence of the principles of Christ's gospel,
which ... Answered, they would have lived in the Gospels; unanswered, they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ and pilate the true.htm

"Who is My Neighbor?"
... Do you think the poor drunkard who reels along the street ... Let us publish abroad the
good news that Christ loves sinners ... There was a man who lived in one of our ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter viii who is my.htm

Christ is All
... What a wonderful thing it is that Jesus Christ, the Son ... born of humble parents, and
live as a poor man in ... He lived a life of suffering and trial, and at length ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/christ is all.htm

Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John ...
... a man hath taken a wife, and hath lived with her ... bosom and harbour to belong to Christ
and his ... distinguishes between Abraham's bosom, where the poor man dwells ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxiv moses allowing divorce and.htm

John's Doubts and Christ's Praise
... with one additional fact"that good tidings were preached to the poor. ... Christ's eulogium
on John. ... mean that John was the greatest man that ever lived, as the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/johns doubts and christs praise.htm

The Fulness of Christ
... comes to manifest God, but that is a poor, starved account ... day, of every human soul
that has lived in the ... Think of that solitary figure of the Christ reared up ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the fulness of christ.htm

The Lonely Christ
... of flesh and blood"and, alas, for poor feeble love ... That lonely Christ sympathises
with all solitary hearts ... and say, 'Yet I am not alone.' He lived alone, alone ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the lonely christ.htm

Letter Lviii. To Paulinus.
... His sons having always lived in tents until at last (owing to the inroads made by ...
What use are walls blazing with jewels when Christ in His poor [1786] is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lviii to paulinus.htm

Thoughts Upon the Imitation of Christ.
... the Dead were raised up, and the Poor had the ... to be truly holy, and therefore devote
one Lives wholly to ... This is to live as Christ lived, and by consequence as ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the imitation of.htm