Examining the Economic Impact of Jesus

This thesis examines the economic impact of the person of Jesus and applies economic theory to the historical and biblical accounts of his ministry on earth. The study will consider the social and economic conditions of the first century Roman Empire within the context of Judea and Galilee, while focusing on key issues including poverty, social hierarchy, and taxation. It will explore three primary aspects of Jesus’ ministry to assign economic impact: the crowds he drew, the miracles he performed, and the principles he taught. These acts challenged the societal and economic norms of that culture and positively impacted communities through providing help and relief to the often marginalized, “least of these" (Matthew 25:40, New International Version). This research aims to contribute to a more robust understanding of how history, theology, and economics intersect at the person of Jesus. Acknowledging by his own admission that Jesus’ mission was not economically, but spiritually focused, this paper will discuss Jesus’ influence on both immediate and lasting economic systems.