What Did Jesus Say About Idols? A Close Look At His Teachings
Idolatry has been an issue humanity has grappled with since ancient times. In today’s world of social media influencers, celebrities, and materialism, the temptation persists. But what guidance did Jesus provide on this topic during his time on earth?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Jesus unambiguously condemned idolatry, calling us to worship God alone. He warned against prioritizing money, possessions, and titles over building God’s kingdom.
In this approximately 3,000 word article, we’ll take an in-depth look at various statements Christ made about idols recorded across the four Gospels. We’ll examine the historical context, theological significance, and modern-day applications of his teachings.
Jesus Equated Loving or Trusting Anything Over God as a Form of Idolatry
Money and Possessions
Jesus warned about the dangers of loving money and possessions more than God. He said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
Jesus encouraged generosity and reliance on God rather than accumulating wealth. He watched the rich putting money into the temple treasury and applauded a poor widow who gave two small copper coins, saying her gift was worth more than all the others (Mark 12:41-44).
Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and material things.
Titles and Status
Jesus often had conflicts with the religious leaders of his day who loved their prestigious titles and the esteem they received from others. Jesus said to beware of teachers who do everything for show and want to be called ‘Rabbi’ (Matthew 23:5-12).
He taught his disciples not to be like the Pharisees who broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels to make themselves look important. Jesus encouraged humility rather than seeking honor and status before others. He valued people intrinsically rather than by their rank or reputation.
The only titles Jesus accepted were “Lord” and “Teacher” which pointed people to God rather than boosting his own ego.
Family Ties
As important as family is, Jesus taught that God must still come first in a person’s life. When a man wanted to return home to bury his deceased father, Jesus replied, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22).
On another occasion, Jesus’ mother and brothers were waiting to speak with him but Jesus said, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?…Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:33-35).
Jesus was not dismissing family but emphasizing that devotion to God takes priority, even over parents and siblings. God wants to be first in our hearts rather than competing with earthly relationships.
Parables Warning Against Greed and Materialism as Subtle Idolatries
In His teachings, Jesus frequently warned against greed, materialism, and living only for worldly possessions and pleasures. He used several parables to illustrate how the pursuit of wealth and coveting earthly treasures can become a form of idolatry that distracts people from loving God and serving others.
The Rich Fool
In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who had such an abundant harvest that he decided to build bigger barns to store it all. He felt secure in his wealth and thought he could “eat, drink and be merry.” But God called him a “fool” and said his life would be demanded that very night.
This story warns that those who store up treasures for themselves but are not “rich toward God” can face spiritual poverty.
The Rich Man and Lazarus
Jesus contrasted a selfish rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. The rich man lived in luxury while Lazarus longed for even the crumbs from his table. After death, Lazarus was comforted in paradise while the rich man was in torment.
Jesus used this stark reversal of fortunes to warn about the dangers of ignoring the needs of others and living self-indulgently.
The Parable of the Sower
In Mark 4:1-20, Jesus told the parable of a farmer sowing seed. Some fell on shallow, thorny, or distracted soils and bore little fruit. But the seed that fell on good soil prospered. Jesus explained this parable, saying the seed is God’s word and the soil represents people’s hearts.
Those too focused on money and earthly pleasures allow little room for God’s message to grow. This parable emphasizes the need to reject materialism so God’s truth can take root.
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
In Matthew 13:44, Jesus told of a man who discovered a hidden treasure in a field. He sold everything he had to buy that field and claim the treasure. Though subtle, this parable implies that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a priceless treasure that is worth sacrificing anything for.
Jesus knew the temptation for people to treat wealth and possessions as their greatest treasure, when in fact, He is the supreme treasure.
Jesus did not condemn wealth itself, but repeatedly warned about loving money and possessions more than God and people. He knew greed could become a subtle form of idolatry, slowly crowding God out of people’s hearts.
His parables creatively drive home the message that material things have no eternal value compared to loving God and serving others in His Kingdom.
Calls to Build God’s Kingdom Over Personal Legacy or Empire
Throughout his ministry, Jesus emphasized building God’s kingdom rather than pursuing personal legacy or power. He cautioned his followers against seeking worldly wealth, fame, or authority as ends in themselves.
Instead, Jesus called his disciples to live selflessly and compassionately while spreading the good news of God’s love and salvation.
Warnings Against Greed and Hypocrisy
On multiple occasions, Jesus warned against greed, hypocrisy, and self-righteousness among religious elites who used their status to pursue prestige and influence. For example, in Matthew 23, Jesus pronounced woes on Pharisees who made visible displays of piety while exploiting vulnerable people.
He accused them of “locking people out of the kingdom” for their own gain (Matthew 23:13).
Jesus also told a parable equating a covetous religious leader with an unjust steward who improperly used his master’s wealth (Luke 16:1-15). This illustrates Jesus’ emphasis on integrity and faithful stewardship rather than personal gain.
Those who exploit their position for temporal benefits may forfeit eternal rewards in God’s kingdom.
Instructions to Serve Others with Humility
As an alternative, Jesus called his followers to humility, selflessness and service towards others’ needs. For instance, he told his disciples “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
This teaching completely inverted prevailing assumptions about power and status.
Likewise, in multiple healing stories Jesus instructed recipients “not to tell anyone” about being healed (Matt 9:30; Mark 7:36). This may prevent them from using such miracles to boost personal fame. Again and again, Jesus deflected potential opportunities for self-glorification in order to showcase God’s gracious power instead.
Commission to Make Disciples of Christ
As his final charge to the disciples, Jesus commissioned them to spread the message of salvation globally rather than seek earthly influence: “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
This articulated their ultimate purpose as agents ofredemptive transformation rather than political clout.
In these and other episodes, Jesus consistently re-directed ambition away from personal legacy and toward advancing redemptive purposes. By building God’s kingdom, Jesus-followers participate in eternal purposes rather than fleeting earthly accomplishments.
This theme pervaded Jesus’ teachings from beginning to end.
Instructions on Prayer and Fasting as Antidotes to Idolatry
Idolatry was a constant struggle for God’s people throughout the Old and New Testaments. Idols represent anything that takes the place of God in our lives. Jesus provided clear instructions on how to combat idolatry through prayer and fasting.
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is denying yourself food or other pleasures for a spiritual purpose. It is a way to humble oneself before God and focus singly on Him (Psalm 35:13). Fasting helps us become more aware of our weaknesses and dependence on God.
It also makes us more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice as we learn to discern true hunger for God over fleeting cravings of the flesh (Matthew 4:1-4).
How to Fast
Jesus gave basic guidelines on fasting in Matthew 6:16-18. He said to not make a show of fasting to gain admiration from others. Fasting should be done discreetly between you and God. Additionally, take care to maintain good hygiene and grooming while fasting so as not to appear disheveled and dreary.
Common types of fasts include:
- Water only
- Abstaining from certain foods or activities
- Intermittent fasting by restricting food intake to set times
Fasting should be done according to your health and comfort level, always seeking God’s wisdom. Start small, such as skipping a meal, and build up from there.
The Power of Prayer
Prayer coupled with fasting amplifies its effectiveness. Jesus said in Matthew 17:21 that some demons only come out by prayer and fasting. As we humble ourselves through fasting, our prayers become more sincere and focused.
Follow Christ’s model for prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Pray persistently and in alignment with God’s will (Luke 18:1-8). Pour out your heart to Him, confessing any idolatry and asking for strength to destroy those altars. Claim His promises to provide a way out from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Fasting and prayer starve the fleshly desires that fuel idolatry. They strip away distractions and purify our connection to God. By weakening the spirit of idolatry, the spirit of Christ is magnified in us. As Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ.
It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Conclusion
In closing, Jesus left no doubt about the supremacy God should hold in our lives. His warnings against loving wealth, status, or even family over God ring true today.
By examining Christ’s words, we gain wisdom into subtle forms of modern idolatry we may not have recognized before. May we respond by removing any rivals occupying the throne meant for God alone.
