'Sell your possessions and give to the poor'

[biblestudent78]

Jesus’ command in Luke 12:33 to “sell your possessions and give to the poor” is not a universal rule that every Christian in every era must liquidate everything.
It is a heart‑diagnosis aimed at people whose security is tied to their stuff, and the proof is that the New Testament never treats this as a blanket command:
Zacchaeus gives half, not all; the early church shares freely but not by compulsion;
Paul assumes believers still own homes, tools, and resources; and Jesus Himself had disciples who kept their boats, houses, and livelihoods;
The point of Luke 12 is not “every Christian must sell everything,” but “every Christian must treat the kingdom as their treasure,” and for some people that will mean radical generosity, for others it means open‑handed stewardship, but for all it means refusing to let possessions become the place where the heart hides;
So the way to “manage the challenge” is not by fearing poverty but by letting Christ reorder your loves — give sacrificially, hold possessions loosely, help the poor intentionally, and live in such a way that your security comes from the Father who delights to give you the kingdom, not from the things you own.

OMC, as usual, I am agreement with your heart if not your theology.

By unilaterally declaring Jesus command to elevate the Kingdom over money is " Never treated like a "Universal Rule" is a dictate of wealthy people looking to protect their wealth.

This "modern" ...Jesus had no idea of a wealth society with enormous wealth compare to the world's poor. So we must interpret Jesus statements as only a product of His time and it's societies. That we can accept only as a general but highly symbolic statement.

What if you are wrong? What if Jesus was showing the heart of God for all time and places?

Hyperbole: Horror of horrors, what if Jesus was being "Literal?"

 

[OMC]

OMC, as usual, I am agreement with your heart if not your theology.

By unilaterally declaring Jesus command to elevate the Kingdom over money is " Never treated like a "Universal Rule" is a dictate of wealthy people looking to protect their wealth.

This "modern" ...Jesus had no idea of a wealth society with enormous wealth compare to the world's poor. So we must interpret Jesus statements as only a product of His time and it's societies. That we can accept only as a general but highly symbolic statement.

What if you are wrong? What if Jesus was showing the heart of God for all time and places?

Hyperbole: Horror of horrors, what if Jesus was being "Literal?"

Jesus’ command in Luke 12:33 isn’t a “wealth‑protecting reinterpretation,” it’s the NT’s own pattern: the apostles never treat “sell your possessions” as a universal liquidation law, because the Spirit‑led church itself didn’t obey it that way. Again, Zacchaeus gives half, not all; Acts 4–5 says giving must be voluntary, not compulsory; Paul assumes believers still own homes and tools; and Jesus keeps disciples who retain boats, houses, and livelihoods. That’s not modern softening; that’s the NT showing the command is a heart‑surgery for people enslaved to their wealth, not an economic statute for all believers. If Jesus meant literal total liquidation for everyone, the apostles would have enforced it; instead they enforce open‑handed generosity, care for the poor, and freedom from greed, which is the kingdom‑first principle behind the command.

 

[2ndTimeIsTheCharm]

Only if you're filthy rich with great possession - like that rich young man.

But Jesus said that to His disciples, none of which were rich.

 

[Dino246]

Dino246
Far be it from me to be scripture quoting guy as too often these are just proof texts. However your statement "that rest of the biblical teaching on money, wealth, and giving, you will see a fuller picture," invites some feedback on what the "bible teaches" on these subjects:
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."
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."
Matthew 19:23-24: Jesus tells His disciples that it is hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven, comparing it to a camel going through the eye of a needle.
Luke 12:15: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Mark 12:41-44: The account of the widow's mite, where Jesus emphasizes that the poor widow's small offering surpassed the large gifts of the wealthy because she gave from her poverty.
Hebrews 13:5 Advises keeping free from the love of money and being content with what one has, resting in God's promise never to forsake believers.
Matthew 6:19-21: Warns against storing up earthly treasures and encourages focusing on heavenly treasures where the heart truly resides.
Philippians 4:19: Assures that God will supply all needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
In the story about the Good Samaritan Jesus emphasises loving care also includes financial care (Luke 10:25–37)

Thanks for the cherry-picked verses. Now... would you like to try again with the WHOLE counsel of Scripture on the subject?

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Hello! I am curious about this passage, does the command to sell possessions and give the money to the poor still hold today? If so, how to manage the challenge? If not, why not?

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:31-35)

Thank you and God Bless

Wonderful

“Sell your possessions and give to the poor.

Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also“

look at the church

“And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:43-47‬ ‭KJV‬‬

i feel like jesusbsermon there if you lion is about changing the minds of the hearers from earthly cares like money to heavenly cares like taking care of each other . And teaching believers not to worry about the worldly but to seek his kingdom in which generousity towards the poor is a staple
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[pinebeach]

That's not a command, but more of a test for the rich young ruler in particular, to see which he really holds dear, his possession or God? Unfortunately he failed the test.

Be absolutely clear on this, that Jesus is NOT a socialist, his talented is distributed to his servants each according to their ABILITY - not need! Whoever portrays Jesus as a socialist for property redistribution is a devil from hell.

Right. Context once again.

The Rich Young Ruler​

The Rich Young Ruler
17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But he [a]was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.
Mark 10

 

[Pilgrimshope]

But Jesus said that to His disciples, none of which were rich.

“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:17-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:19-21‬ ‭

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above,

not on things on the earth.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭

 

[Pilgrimshope]

OMC, as usual, I am agreement with your heart if not your theology.

By unilaterally declaring Jesus command to elevate the Kingdom over money is " Never treated like a "Universal Rule" is a dictate of wealthy people looking to protect their wealth.

This "modern" ...Jesus had no idea of a wealth society with enormous wealth compare to the world's poor. So we must interpret Jesus statements as only a product of His time and it's societies. That we can accept only as a general but highly symbolic statement.

What if you are wrong? What if Jesus was showing the heart of God for all time and places?

Hyperbole: Horror of horrors, what if Jesus was being "Literal?"

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Consider matthews contemporary

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

…No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. “
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:19-21, ‭KJV‬‬


“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:17-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[Lovette]

But Jesus said that to His disciples, none of which were rich.

Then what possession did they have to sell? The only one who did have some possession was Judas who was in charge of the money bag, and interestingly, he sanctimoniously argued that the frangrant oil should be sold for charity, how did Jesus respond?

 

[2ndTimeIsTheCharm]

Then what possession did they have to sell? The only one who did have some possession was Judas who was in charge of the money bag, and interestingly, he sanctimoniously argued that the frangrant oil should be sold for charity, how did Jesus respond?

Jesus' words to His disciples (not to the rich man):

Luke 12:31-35 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

They were not poor. but also not rich. They owned their own homes and businesses but just enough. They are like most of us, middle class. It's not like they threw away their careers. Remember when Jesus had just died that they went back to their old jobs?

So Jesus is saying not to hoard because God will provide for us. He's our true security, ("where your treasure is, there your heart will be also") not any materialism you may have built up.

 

[biblestudent78]

Then what possession did they have to sell? The only one who did have some possession was Judas who was in charge of the money bag, and interestingly, he sanctimoniously argued that the frangrant oil should be sold for charity, how did Jesus respond?

Jesus was in so many way talking to way more than his disciples.

 

[Lovette]

Jesus' words to His disciples (not to the rich man):

Luke 12:31-35 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

They were not poor. but also not rich. They owned their own homes and businesses but just enough. They are like most of us, middle class. It's not like they threw away their careers. Remember when Jesus had just died that they went back to their old jobs?

So Jesus is saying not to hoard because God will provide for us. He's our true security, ("where your treasure is, there your heart will be also") not any materialism you may have built up.

Rich or poor, worship is not cheap. As the Lord taught, where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Charity is laudable, but not always the answer.

Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

 

[Lovette]

Jesus was in so many way talking to way more than his disciples.

Yes, but let's just keep it in the context for now.