“We will Always Have the Poor Among Us…”
Jesus said,
“You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me” -Matthew 26:11
“The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me -John 12:8
“The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want, but you will not always have Me” -Mark 14:7
When we consider the text, we consider the worship of the One Who is worthy of such an expensive gift of ointment! Was He poor? No, but yes. He trusted His Father for all of His provision.
Joseph, His adopted father (of earth) was a carpenter. Yeshua likely learned that trade growing up, but the Scriptures did not indicate that He used it to live on. He consumed what was provided. …and He slept where he could.
We know there is certainly more to the story of Joseph, but when the Child King of the ripe age of maturity, structure and Biblical government (12) espoused His Father, and His Father’s occupation, it was not that of a carpenter. It was that of a “Husbandman” on one account and “Vinedresser” on another.
JOHN 12:4-7 …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. However, Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial.”
Oh the expense of the perfume/anointing oil… Jesus considered that as a proper send-off for His burial. Judas? What was his motivation, really?
Reading Yeshua’s words in their original context you can see that His words were meant to spur generosity towards the poor.
“Open wide your hand!” The Command to be open-handed towards the poor comes directly from YHVH Himself, not apathy and tight-fistedness as we use these words to mean today. There is a bit of a caveat to that. People must do what they are physically able to do to eat. Working is Biblically required.
However, the next time someone says, “The poor you will always have with you…” be sure to complete the sentence: “Therefore I Command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.” Again, able-bodied and minded people are expected to work and take care of their families and themselves.
“…for there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land” -Deuteronomy 15:11
NOTE: We all need a little help now and again. Some folks are poor in many other ways. Even the filthy rich are poor in circumstances that their money is not able to purchase.
In the language of the people of choice, poor is defined with two words. This first one is ANAV. It is a noun and is used to describe the "afflicted", "humble", or "meek".
Another Hebrew word for "poor" is ANI. It is an adjective and can also mean "afflicted" and "humble". There are a few more, but these are the ones usually seen in Scripture.
NOTE: The word “beggar” is not a truly sound Biblically Hebrew term. I have learned, there is not a word for “beggar” in the language. Go figure.
The "ANI" version primarily refers to individuals who are economically disadvantaged or socially marginalized. It can also refer to a state of humility or affliction, often used to describe those who are oppressed or in need of deliverance from demonic control. In the Biblical context, "ani" is frequently associated with GOD's concern for justice and care for the vulnerable. This is a MAJOR focus of much of Scripture.
“Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender” -Proverbs 19:17
“They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do” -Galatians 2:10
“…Peter said [to the one asking him for alms], “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” -Acts 3:6
Everything in Scripture has a context and specific reason why it was used. The Bible is and always will be a Cultural and Historical teaching opportunity. We must learn from It as It is, and not work ourselves into spiritual death and apathy, trying to change It into the culture of the people outside of Israel.
NOTE: We followers, by faith, are grafted into this way of life, by faith.
NOTE: No matter how we shake it, turn it or twist it, we can’t get past the fact the Jesus is not Greek. He is a Hebrew Judean. The Background He comes from and uses is always for His people, not anyone else.
In ancient Israelite society, the "ANI" POOR were often those without land, family support, or means of sustenance. [see the widow, orphan and stranger]. The Law of Moses provided specific instructions for the care of the poor, including gleaning laws and the Year of Jubilee, reflecting GOD’s thinking [heart] for justice and mercy. Prophets and psalmists frequently called attention to the plight of the "ANI," urging the entire community to uphold righteousness and compassion.
Fortunately, there are many different ways to help the ANI (afflicted and down-trodden). Helping those in poverty involves addressing immediate needs as well as long-term structural changes.
Helping the struggling sometimes gets lost, when we just throw money at anything that has a hand or two out. The benefit and blessing of working is for the needed gift of food and shelter a person requires.
“Earning a living” is not a new concept.
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense” -Proverbs 12:11
“Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us” -2 Thessalonians 3:6
“We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone” -Ronald Reagan
The quote, "We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone," encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of personal responsibility and acts of kindness. In its straightforward interpretation, the quote suggests that while we may not be able to assist every individual in need, each of us has the power to make a difference in someone's life. This sentiment emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and the willingness to extend a helping hand to others.
Consider the idea that every act of assistance, regardless of its scale or intended recipient, is interconnected and has far-reaching consequences.
Standing on the corner “begging” for someone’s hard-earned money is not working.
Giving of the financial resource one has been afforded, because of the choice to be employed is the essence of choosing to help.