By Traci Rhoades
Robin Hood, both the Disney cartoon and the 1991 film featuring Kevin Costner, and likely other tellings of this folk legend from English folklore, mention the giving of alms.
It’s one of the few places I recall hearing the term outside of scripture. In every reference, almsgiving simply meant giving to the poor.
Jesus spoke of it this way:
“But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you” (Matthew 6:3-4).
According to legend, Robin Hood did this rather well, though he robbed the rich to do it. Perhaps it’s worth taking a look at what almsgiving really means. As with many of Jesus’ teachings, there is often more beneath the surface.
Jesus frequently took familiar commandments from Jewish tradition and helped his listeners understand the heart of God behind them. If we gather his teachings on generosity throughout the Gospels, a fuller picture begins to emerge.
Over the years, I’ve found a few practices helpful when trying to understand a passage of scripture more deeply. Sometimes I turn to a commentary, whether online or a well-worn book from the shelf. Other times I look up the meaning of key words in the original language or explore cross-references in a study Bible.
I also appreciate Eugene Petoson’s The Message. His translation often reads like a pastoral commentary, helping ancient words connect with modern life.
In Luke’s Gospel, Peterson renders Jesus’ teaching this way:
“Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (Luke 12:33-34)
When we pause to reflect, the deeper meaning of almsgiving begins to come into focus. Yes, giving to those in need provides practical help — whether through a food pantry, a shelter, or direct assistance. But Jesus also knew something else: generosity shapes the giver.
Think about it. We read of a similar provision for the poor in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, those who could not afford a lamb for sacrifice were permitted to bring two turtledoves or young pigeons instead. This was the offering Mary and Joseph brought when they presented the infant Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2:24).
No one was meant to be excluded from the opportunity to give. Because in generosity, when we sacrifice something of our own, there is treasure for us as well. As Peterson said, deposits made in a heavenly bank account.
In truth, teachings on providing for the poor and marginalized can be found in nearly every major religion. They reflect a basic moral truth: our lives are connected, and we have responsibilities toward one another. For Christians, generosity becomes a way of embodying the love and grace of Jesus Christ. It’s why believers often speak about being the “hands and feet of Jesus.”
Where possible, the embodiment should go beyond writing a check (assuming anyone still writes checks). It may involve investing time, relationship, and dignity in the lives of those we help. Every human life is sacred and deserving of respect.
This is part of what the season of Lent invites us to consider. During these 40 days, Christians practice prayer, fasting, and giving; not as empty rituals, but as ways to examine the heart and grow more like Christ.
After all, we can never out-sacrifice him.
As Christians prepare to celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus, may this season help us give a little more generously, to God and to one another, and discover the lasting treasure such generosity brings.
—————
Traci Rhoades is a faith writer who advocates for an integrated life rooted in Christ. Her family of three loves living near the beach towns of Lake Michigan.
Robin Hood, both the Disney cartoon and the 1991 film featuring Kevin Costner, and likely other tellings of this folk legend from English folklore, mention the giving of alms.
It’s one of the few places I recall hearing the term outside of scripture. In every reference, almsgiving simply meant giving to the poor.
Jesus spoke of it this way:
“But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you” (Matthew 6:3-4).
According to legend, Robin Hood did this rather well, though he robbed the rich to do it. Perhaps it’s worth taking a look at what almsgiving really means. As with many of Jesus’ teachings, there is often more beneath the surface.
Jesus frequently took familiar commandments from Jewish tradition and helped his listeners understand the heart of God behind them. If we gather his teachings on generosity throughout the Gospels, a fuller picture begins to emerge.
Over the years, I’ve found a few practices helpful when trying to understand a passage of scripture more deeply. Sometimes I turn to a commentary, whether online or a well-worn book from the shelf. Other times I look up the meaning of key words in the original language or explore cross-references in a study Bible.
I also appreciate Eugene Petoson’s The Message. His translation often reads like a pastoral commentary, helping ancient words connect with modern life.
In Luke’s Gospel, Peterson renders Jesus’ teaching this way:
“Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (Luke 12:33-34)
When we pause to reflect, the deeper meaning of almsgiving begins to come into focus. Yes, giving to those in need provides practical help — whether through a food pantry, a shelter, or direct assistance. But Jesus also knew something else: generosity shapes the giver.
Think about it. We read of a similar provision for the poor in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, those who could not afford a lamb for sacrifice were permitted to bring two turtledoves or young pigeons instead. This was the offering Mary and Joseph brought when they presented the infant Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2:24).
No one was meant to be excluded from the opportunity to give. Because in generosity, when we sacrifice something of our own, there is treasure for us as well. As Peterson said, deposits made in a heavenly bank account.
In truth, teachings on providing for the poor and marginalized can be found in nearly every major religion. They reflect a basic moral truth: our lives are connected, and we have responsibilities toward one another. For Christians, generosity becomes a way of embodying the love and grace of Jesus Christ. It’s why believers often speak about being the “hands and feet of Jesus.”
Where possible, the embodiment should go beyond writing a check (assuming anyone still writes checks). It may involve investing time, relationship, and dignity in the lives of those we help. Every human life is sacred and deserving of respect.
This is part of what the season of Lent invites us to consider. During these 40 days, Christians practice prayer, fasting, and giving; not as empty rituals, but as ways to examine the heart and grow more like Christ.
After all, we can never out-sacrifice him.
As Christians prepare to celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus, may this season help us give a little more generously, to God and to one another, and discover the lasting treasure such generosity brings.
—————
Traci Rhoades is a faith writer who advocates for an integrated life rooted in Christ. Her family of three loves living near the beach towns of Lake Michigan.
