Is Jesus a Businessman?
An often-overlooked attribute of God as described by Jesus is that of entrepreneur and business owner. One of the major cornerstones to the economy of Israel at the time period of Jesus was agriculture. Jesus spoke in common language, using metaphors His listeners would understand as part of their ordinary dialogue. It would be easy for the Eastern mindset to grasp word pictures describing farming, planting and reaping, work in vineyards and other agricultural metaphors.
Farmers in this time period were the entrepreneurs, business owners and the sole proprietors of their day. They would be responsible for the business strategy, operations, execution, marketing, sales, forecasting, managing of budgets, employees, and most of all ensuring they have a plan in place for profitability.
Through the use of parables, we see another side of the Lord’s character: Jesus the business man, the manager and owner. Let’s take a closer look at the business side of God.
In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus teaches in many parables. Below are five parables where He depicts Himself in the role of business owner.
IN THE PARABLE OF THE SEED / SOIL
Jesus is the farmer who sows seed. The climactic moment in this story is the harvest, when the proprietor reaps a return on His investment at 30, 60 and 100-fold above the original investment.
IN THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS
Jesus, self-described as the Son of Man in the parable, is the farmer who sows and owns the field. He makes wise and prudent decisions to preserve the integrity of His crop. He is concerned with the harvest and the return on His investment
IN THE PARABLE OF THE HIDDEN TREASURE
Jesus is the investor who purchases the field so He can have the treasure. He invests in the field for the purpose of making a return on His investment.
IN THE PARABLE OF THE COSTLY PEARL
Jesus is the merchant in search of rare pearls with high value.
IN THE PARABLE OF THE FISHING NET
Jesus is the master fisherman who owns the boat, the net and is in control of the catch, gathering the good fish into containers and dis- carding the bad fish.
Return On Investment
One of the themes that I have underscored with the role Jesus illustrates in all of these parables is Jesus as businessman or investor that is actively seeking a return on His investment (ROI).
Jesus Holds Us Accountable
Jesus makes an investment and then demands the ROI. There is a business side of God where He will one day hold us all accountable for what we did with what we have.
SALVATION IS FREE
Salvation is a gift that was purchased through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We receive this free gift through grace and faith. There is nothing we can do of our own works to earn, merit or work for our salvation (Ephesians 2:8).
AFTER SALVATION
It is clear in Scripture that there will be a judgement of those who believe, with crowns and rewards given. Not all believers produce a return on investment and not all will attain the prize. The Apostle Paul writes of two different kinds of building materials used, spiritually.
“Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”
1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Are you aware of what God has called you to?
You do not need to see the whole picture of your life’s calling and ultimate purpose to start moving in the direction of His call for you today. I believe the Lord has placed God dreams, vision and aspirations within your heart and in your hand. What is the thing you want to accomplish? What brings you the most fulfillment? Has God personally spoken to you or inspired you through a dream or vision of what you are to accomplish for Him?
A few years ago, I heard the Lord speak to me and say: “I want a return on My investment.”
I immediately knew He was speaking to me about the deposits
He has made in my life and how there will be a day when I will be evaluated and held accountable for what I did with what I had. This caused me to take inventory of all the valuable blessings I have in my life – things like my spiritual and natural giftings, relationships, trainings I have received and skills I have acquired.
The Lord deposits valuable treasure in each of us. Then, it is our responsibility to develop and steward the treasures He has placed within and around us. The treasure is not limited to the following, but can reveal itself as:
• Spiritual truths that are revealed to you
• Divine connections and relationships
• Natural skills and abilities
• Spiritual gifts that are given to edify and build up others • Motivational and encouraging gifts
• Physical and material means and resources that can be used for His glory
I believe you have abilities, skills, talents and wisdom within certain areas of your life. My hope is that this article gives you a strong foundation in your understanding of God’s nature and purpose for you; a foundation upon which you discover, develop and learn to walk in the calling and assignments He has for you.
This blog was taken from the chapter titled 'Jesus is a Businessman' in the book, The Standard. You can get it on Amazon here.
