Is there a biblical solution to material poverty?

Everywhere I look, I see the horrifying effects of poverty. A child working at a construction site carrying bricks and sand. An old man pulling a three wheeler rickshaw with two overweight women sitting behind. A sick mother pulling herself to work in someone’s field because if she doesn’t, her children will have to sleep without food. A young man’s dream is shattered because he has to give up his studies in order to look after his ailing parents. A young girl is sold by the parents to a rich old man so that they can continue to live under his favor. List can go on…

Poverty takes away human dignity. Life becomes a meaningless struggle.

What kind of message can I preach to the poor? What does the gospel offer to them?

In fact, the gospel has a lot to offer to the poor. The Bible is very explicit in providing the solution.

For the sake of an illustration, follow me through a few verses from the scripture …

Deuteronomy 28:47–48

“Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you.”

In John 19:16–42 — When Jesus was crucified and died;

1. He was hungry; had not eaten anything for a long time.

2. He said he was thirsty.

3. He was naked.

4. He was in need of everything; he was wrapped in borrowed clothes and was buried in a borrowed tomb.

Why was his crucifixion like this?

Galatians 3:13–14

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 8:9

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

2 Corinthians 9:8

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Romans 8:32

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

Matthew 6:31–33

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Hebrews 11:6

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

When Jesus began his ministry, this is how he introduced his mission;

Luke 4:18–19

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

This seems to be the only way out of poverty; a divine solution to human predicament. Jesus paid it all. It is freely available to anyone who would believe. Faith makes everything possible; even a poor child can believe for a better future on the basis of what Jesus did on that Cross.

Are we prepared to preach this gospel?