The Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has stirred up controversy with his statement that Jesus Christ didn’t associate with poor people.
The cleric said, Jesus’ actions and interactions, as recorded in the Bible, demonstrate his preference for visiting and associating with wealthy individuals rather than those in poverty.
Pastor Ibiyeomie, during a worship session in his church, cited specific biblical examples to support his claim.
He said, Jesus’ visit to the house of Zacchaeus, a rich tax collector, is evidence that Jesus favored the wealthy.
The pastor also referenced Jesus’ relationship with Lazarus, suggesting that Lazarus’ household was not poor because they were able to provide food for Jesus.
Pastor Ibiyeomie emphasized that Jesus’ death on the cross was meant to liberate believers from poverty, and therefore, Christians should not harbor a poor mentality.
Acknowledging that people may come to church in a state of poverty, he stressed that they are not permitted to remain in that state, implying that faith and Jesus’ sacrifice should translate to material prosperity.
He said: “Jesus never visited any poor person in the house, read your bible. That means he hates poverty. Check, he visited Lazarus, they were not poor, they were giving him food. He visited a sinner called Zacchaeus who was rich; Tell me the one poor man Jesus entered his house; he hates poverty that what it means, he hates people who are poor. He died for you not to be poor, so how can you now coming to church have that kind of mentality. You can come poor, but you are not permitted to remain poor….”