You may have heard the saying, “Follow the money.” Those who investigate crimes and corruption ask, “Who benefited? Who got rich?” By following the money trail they often discover who did wrong and why. That is because money and other forms of wealth are major motivators for most people, both good and bad. The Bible has much to say about money, including this:
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness (1 Timothy 6:9-11).
Could it be that money plays a part in modern claims to miracles? When we consider the promotion, glamor and wealth associated with miracle campaigns, we cannot help but think of the humble circumstances of our Lord Jesus. In Matthew 8, Jesus told a prospective follower, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). The same chapter records numerous demonstrations of Jesus’ power over illness, nature and demons. Yet at His death, after three years of miraculous ministry, the clothing on His back was His only property.
His apostles had been given similar powers, and Jesus gave them specific instructions about money.
[Jesus] called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction…. Proclaim as you go, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts (Matthew 10:1,7-10).
Notice again, in this context about miraculous ministry, how Jesus emphasized avoiding money. When He says, “You received without paying; give without pay” (Matthew 10:8), He refers to the fact that they have just received supernatural power and will soon be giving supernatural healing. That is the context in which He commanded them to “give without pay.” In other words, since you received this power freely, use this power freely, giving healings without being paid or rewarded. The apostles obeyed Him. After years of miraculous ministry, Peter still had to tell the beggar at the temple, “I have no silver and gold” (Acts 3:6). The greatest travelling preacher of the New Testament was Paul. Yet he reminded his converts of his physical poverty—“as poor… as having nothing” (2 Corinthians 6:10).