Jesus Hated Poverty – Pastor Ibiyeomie’s Statement Stirs Online Reactions

Babatunji Wusu –

• Pastor David Ibiyeomie claims Jesus Christ detested poverty and avoided close association with the poor.

• He asserts that Jesus’ mission included delivering believers from financial hardship, not just spiritual salvation.

• Ibiyeomie states that continued poverty among Christians reflects a lack of spiritual insight.

In a controversial sermon, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries, declared that Jesus Christ not only opposed poverty but also deliberately avoided interactions with poor individuals during His earthly ministry.

Addressing his congregation, the pastor stated, “Jesus never visited any poor person’s house—check your Bible. He visited Lazarus, who wasn’t poor, and Zacchaeus, a wealthy sinner. He hates poverty—that’s the message.”

Ibiyeomie emphasized that Christ’s death and resurrection were not solely for the forgiveness of sins but also to liberate believers from financial lack. He argued that while it is acceptable to come to Christ in a state of poverty, it is spiritually wrong to remain in that condition, suggesting it reflects a failure to fully grasp Christian teachings.

The message has stirred debate among Christian circles, raising theological questions about the relationship between faith and financial prosperity.