Jesus is a Socialist?

I recently responded to a post claiming Jesus was a Socialist. In that response, I stated in part:

“He taught us to care for the poor, individually. We must allow God to transform us from within. Our human nature cannot be transformed by an ideal imposed externally, by a government run by corruptible men.”

That response generated this comment from another reader:

“This is my problem with conservatives. The scriptures do not say “individuals” should help the poor. The scriptures say “you” should help the poor. There is no good reason, biblically speaking, for the government to not provide for the poor, especially since Jesus said when you refuse the poor you refuse him.

There is simply no biblical justification for saying only individuals should help the poor. I don’t say this to argue but maybe to have a real discussion.”

I responded to his comment but despite wishing for a real discussion, he has not followed up. Since then, other thoughts have come to mind. I want to respond more fully to him and share my thoughts with a general readership.

Who is ‘you’?

I do not speak or read Ancient Greek or Hebrew or Aramaic. But, many of my teachers know the originals well. They say the ‘you’ Jesus addressed is the believer, the one reading His words and following His direction.

Jesus did not say unbelievers must follow his direction. How could they?

Jesus did not speak to Herod, or Caesar, and barely to Pilate. When talking with Pilate, Jesus did not discuss taxes or the poor but the source of Pilate’s power. Suffice to say, Jesus had other things on His mind than the redistribution of other’s wealth.

In His teaching, Jesus spoke to the man on the street in an earthy everyday context they would relate to. He said, “the poor will always be with us.” He was concerned with our spiritual wellbeing. And though Jesus often spoke about our personal economy, He always pointed beyond our temporal existence.

My respondent is right that Jesus didn’t say the government shouldn’t help the poor. But that was not His point. And that is not my point.

An Economy of the Heart

Taking money from individuals and paying bureaucrats to redistribute that wealth to those the government deems worthy is inefficient. It also invites corruption. From the Great Society onward, our national debt has mushroomed and yet, the poor remain with us.

How is that possible? Imagine if the taxes collected to help the poor had actually been given to the poor, without the government as the middleman. Would we still have poor people among us? Of course.

But Washington D.C. would have fewer career bureaucrats living off the largesse of the American taxpayer.

In Jesus’ time, tax collectors were despised as corrupt (imagine that!) and traitors to their people. When Jesus’ met the tax collector, Zacchaeus, (Luke 19: 1–9) Jesus does not admonish him. He wins Zacchaeus over through the gentle strength of His message. Jesus’ personal appeal converted Zacchaeus to act from his heart, on behalf of the poor.

Likewise, Jesus observed the poor widow tithing “all she had” (Mark 12:41–44). Some claim this criticized the government for allowing a widow to fall into poverty. That doesn’t diminish his main point. She humbly gave from the bounty of her heart while others made a show of giving from their pocketbook.

Who Do We Serve?

Governments may try to help the poor. But governments do not give from their hearts. Governments wield power. Our representatives too often, appear to be the government’s representatives. Many of them seem more concerned with holding that power than with the poor they claim concern for.

It takes a special brand of chutzpah to plead for the poor while washing one’s hands of personal responsibility.

If you, an individual, worry for a poor person, it is absurd to tell him, “I’m so sorry for you. Let me help you. I promise to pay extra taxes so you can get the funds you need to live from the government.” Good luck with that.

Many of society’s ills are traceable to the “let the government do it” attitude fostered by, you guessed it, the government.

Many fret about the separation between church and state. They want religion purged from the public square. Yet they applaud the government becoming the source of all good things. Government as god turns religion on its head. The government will serve you right into slavery.

History records many revolutions waged to rectify the sins of unresponsive governments. Who is accountable when a government lets its citizens starve? Individuals must pull up the slack.

Direct giving is honest and effective. It is good for your soul and benefits those in need. There are also many reputable charities through which you can help the needy.

Jesus said, “What you did for the least of these, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).” Does anyone seriously think Jesus sought a government handout?

A current Democratic candidate for President, Pete Buttigeig, has gained considerable mileage from touting the social gospel.