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Jason J. Lim Principal of Malaysia Bible Seminary

ABSTRACT

This article attempts to make a thorough study on Christ Jesus’ biblical and theological views on poverty and riches and their implications. Although Jesus’ message of the kingdom of God primarily targets the materially poor, he also cares for those who are poor spiritually or ethically. Moreover, the blessing of spiritual abundance is the overarching message embedded in the Gospels, and it is a paradigm shift used by Jesus to portray a higher heavenly calling of discipleship when compared with the Old Testament’s promises of material abundance. In a way, Jesus never suggests that his disciples would receive much material blessing and be released from poverty. On the contrary, they are asked to remember and give to the poor and even be willing to be made poor for the sake of the gospel. Although it is not sinful to be rich, those who are wealthy need to be accountable on how they use their material resources, lest greed for money fill their hearts and make them fall into temptations. It is thus hoped that a more-balanced biblical and theological understanding of Jesus on poverty and riches, as well as the related issues regarding a more equitable distribution of wealth and accountability that relates to a proper use of financial resources, can be presented for further reflections and actions.

撮要

這篇專文嘗試對耶穌基督的貧窮和富足之聖經－神學觀做一個全面的研 究。雖然耶穌的神國度之基本資訊是針對物質貧窮的人，但祂也關心那些在靈 性和道德上貧窮的人。此外，靈命豐盛的祝福是福音書裏深藏着的首要資訊， 這是耶穌形容作祂門徒一個更高層次的屬天呼召，比起舊約所指的物質豐盛， 是一個迥然不同的轉變。在某種意義上，耶穌從未說過祂的門徒會領受很多物 質的祝福及不會處於貧窮。相反的，祂要求門徒記念窮人，並且要施贈給他 們。為了福音的緣故，他們甚至願意自己成為貧窮。雖然有錢不是罪，富足的 人卻要在他們的物質資源上負責任，不然，貪愛錢財會把他們的心擠住，使他 們墮入試探裏。因此，在財富和資源上，此專文盼望能提供一個關於耶穌對貧 窮和富足較平衡的聖經－神學觀，以及對財富分配有較公平和負責任的措施， 以供進一步的反思和回應。

原載於《建道學刊》41期（2014），頁 209-234。