Note 1 at Lk. 9:58: This verse has often been used to support the misconception that Jesus and His disciples lived in poverty. However, in this instance, the fact that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head was because of persecution. The Samaritans, because of a religious prejudice (see note 1 at Lk. 9:53, p. 245), had just refused Him hospitality and a place to stay as He journeyed to Jerusalem. Persecution is a part of the cost of living a Christian life (see note 7 at Mt. 5:10, p. 73) and Jesus was communicating to this man that not having a place to stay at times was part of that cost.

The scriptures record Jesus as being a guest in other peoples' homes often, and John 1:38-39 even records Jesus inviting two disciples to dwell with Him.

Luke 8:3 relates how Joanna, Susanna, and "many others" ministered to Jesus of their substance (Gk.-"huparchonta"- property or possessions--see ref. j at Lk. 8:3, p. 127). Jesus and His disciples were also in a position where they gave to the poor out of their funds (Jn. 12:5; 13:29).

From these examples and many others (see notes 36-38 at Mt. 6:19-21, p. 81), it is clear that Jesus' statement in this verse related to persecution and not to poverty. Not until Jesus suffered and died on the cross did He take on the curse of poverty (Dt. 28:17 with Gal. 3:13) so that we might be made rich (Gal. 3:14 with 2 Cor. 8:9). See note 2 at Luke 9:23, page 203.