The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has sparked controversy with a bold statement claiming that Jesus Christ never associated with the poor during his time on Earth, suggesting that Christ’s disdain for poverty was evident in his actions.
During a sermon on Sunday, Pastor Ibiyeomie asserted that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were not only meant to bring salvation but also to liberate believers from poverty.
He went further to claim that remaining in poverty after embracing Christ signals a lack of spiritual insight.
“Jesus never visited any poor person in his house, check your Bible. That means he hates poverty. He visited Lazarus, they were not poor, they were giving him food. He visited a sinner, Zacchaeus, who was rich. Tell me one poor man Jesus entered his house. He hates poverty, that’s the meaning,” Pastor Ibiyeomie said.
The pastor further emphasised, “He hates people who are poor. He died for you not to be poor. How can you now come to church with some kind of mentality? You can come poor, but you’re not permitted to remain poor. There’s nothing wrong with you coming to Christ as a poor man, but it’s wrong for you to remain poor. It is wrong.”
These remarks have triggered a range of reactions.
While some supporters praise Pastor Ibiyeomie’s emphasis on financial empowerment, others are critical, arguing that his interpretation misrepresents the teachings of Jesus.
Critics have pointed out that Jesus’ ministry was marked by humility, compassion and care for the marginalised, including the poor and downtrodden.
Ibiyeomie’s past preachings often reflect similar themes, emphasising prosperity and divine favor for believers.
He has previously stated that “poverty is a curse” and that Christians are meant to live abundant lives, with financial success as a visible sign of God’s blessing.
