Carpentry had little to do with Jesus’ financial condition. To start with, his human parents were not poor. They stayed in a stable for his birth because there was no rooms available. They later were in their house in Nazareth when the Magi arrived - about 2 years after the birth of Jesus.

As soon as Jesus was born, a very large entourage, some describe as a small army, was making its way to Jerusalem. They had watched in the Heavens a new star that indicated the King of the Jews’ birth. And they traveled to worship the new king. Tradition has claimed it was three, but three astrologers would not have “disturbed all of Jerusalem” and the King.

They followed the star to Jerusalem, where they learned that Bethlehem was prophesied as the Messiah’s birthplace. But it was almost two years since the star first appeared. The family fulfilled all that was required of the Law and returned to Nazareth. The Magi briefly took their eyes off the star and turned to men in Jerusalem. When they left, they rediscovered the star and followed it to the family home in Nazareth. They opened their treasure chests and presented the New King with gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are very expensive items, and certainly worthy of a king. And these were likely listed for symbolic reasons. But there is no reason to believe that only these three were given, or that there were only three wise men!

These were the Magi, revered for their knowledge of celestial signs, ancient prophecies, dream interpretation, and the divine. They were king-makers of the ancient world. And when you visit royalty, extravagance is the order of the day. Now imagine you have the opportunity to see and worship the Son of God. I suspect everyone in their group wanted to make the trip, and they brought with them their finest gifts for the new King.

We have to forget the image of three old geezers with their little gift boxes, so popular in Christmas art. This was royalty, some of the brightest folks in the world, paying homage to THE KING. These were men who understood the ancient messages in the stars before they were perverted, and the signs that pointed to Jesus’ birth. They brought gifts appropriate for royalty, for the KING of kings.

It has been estimated that the amount of Gold was 50 pounds. The equivalent of about $750,000 today. Frankincense and myrrh, were both highly treasured and more valuable than gold. Assuming roughly equal shares of each gift, Jesus may have ended up with $2 to $3 million. That would come in handy as the family traveled to Egypt, avoiding Herod’s spies until his death.

That’s just including the supposed three gifts that were mentioned. Gifts for royalty might include exotic fabrics and spices, gilded furniture and weapons, precious metals and gems, and anything else that is highly valued in their respective land.

The great wealth given to Jesus might help explain the zeal Herod had for finding and killing the toddler. The boy may not have been an immediate threat, but someone from a wealthy family with the claim to the throne might be. And plus, he might have just wanted the wealth for himself.

Jesus was never without, unless by choice. The devil’s temptations in the wilderness were real. But Jesus chose to continue to fast rather than play games with the enemy. When his time was complete, angels ministered to his physical needs. When he needed a donkey, one was provided. When it was time to feed 5,000, Jesus made sure everyone was filled with baskets left over.

He had a full time ministry, up to 70 followers and a designated treasurer who was stealing from the common purse. Jesus of course knew this, but gave Judas plenty of time to repent. He was rarely without a place to stay as wealthy friends like Mary, Martha, and Lazarus often opened their doors to him. He needed coins for taxes, it was readily and speedily provided.

Jesus was NEVER poor.

See also.

God Bless You!!