What Does The Bible Say Concerning Jesus’ Charitable Deeds?

The word “charity” has a pleasant ring to it since it makes us think of good acts or deeds. But the truth is that charity not based on the Bible is empty and meaningless. If we want to know what charity really means in the Bible, we need not look further than the life of Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus Christ is indeed the very definition of charity. He is our dear Lord, Who is not worried about His own career, popularity, and even life. What Jesus cared about was His people. Jesus laid down His life for us, whom He calls friends (John 15:13). 

Here Are Some of Jesus’ Charitable Deeds

1.    He Forgave the Adulterous Woman (John 8:1-11)

When scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman who had committed adultery, the religious leaders asked Jesus about the law and asked Him what they should do. The goal of the religious leaders was not to seek advice from Jesus but to trap Him. But Jesus is wiser than that. Jesus knelt and wrote something in the dirt. He then said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” The people started to leave and when Jesus and the woman were left alone, He said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

2.    He Healed a Blind Beggar (Luke 18:35-43)

A blind beggar called out to Jesus for help. Jesus heard his call and then asked the man how He could help him. The blind beggar asked Jesus to restore his sight, but Jesus not only restored the man’s sight but He also gave the man the opportunity to follow Him and glorify God. “Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me recover my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.”

3.    Jesus Raised Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:38-44)

Lazarus had already been dead for four days. Jesus arrived in the tomb and Martha told Him, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus replied, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” When Jesus saw her weeping, He was then moved and asked where they had laid Lazarus. Jesus came to the tomb and prayed, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” He then called Lazarus, “Lazarus, come out!” And the crowd was astonished as the dead man came out from the tomb with hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen. 

4. Jesus Fed the Hungry (Matthew 14:13-21)

The crowd followed Jesus on foot from the towns. Jesus saw the large crowd and He had compassion for them. Jesus healed their sickness as well. The disciples suggested that they send the crowd away so that they can go to villages and buy themselves food. What Jesus did instead was to multiply the fish and loaves available. He gave thanks and broke the loaves. All five thousand people were satisfied and not a single one of them went hungry. 

5.    He Died for Sinners (Romans 5:8)

The greatest charity that Jesus performed for us was dying on the cross. And the charity that was performed by our savior was prompted by love. It is the love of Christ that has kept us from the wrath of God. The charity or love of Jesus is a purely good deed that doesn’t have a tinge of selfishness. For us to be able to fully understand what charity really is, it is essential that we look at and understand how Jesus lived His life here on earth. All of His charitable deeds were done not from a sense of duty but from a deep love for His flock.