Pastor David Ibiyeomie, a prominent preacher, has sparked heated debate after claiming that Jesus never liked poor people. During a recent worship session at his church, the clergyman stated that, according to biblical references, Jesus only visited the wealthy.
Ibiyeomie asserted that a Christian should not have a poor mentality, as Christ’s sacrifice was intended to ensure believers are not poor. He made his case by referencing Jesus’ visits to individuals like Lazarus and Zacchaeus, both of whom were not poor.
In his words: “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’s what it means. He hates people who are poor. He died for you not to be poor, so how can you now come to church with that kind of mentality? You can come poor, but you are not permitted to remain poor…”
The preacher’s remarks have since ignited a flurry of reactions from social media users. Some challenged his interpretation of scripture, pointing out instances where Jesus interacted with individuals in humble circumstances.
Jesus never visited any poor person in the house – Pastor David Ibiyeomie pic.twitter.com/usE9NqlOYq
— Naija (@Naija_PR) April 14, 2025
Notable responses include:
@realeddisoneo: “But he went to raise Lazarus, his poor friend from the grave… It’s high time we all start listening to Dr. Abel Damina.”
@GodisnotaMan_: “Even in Church, a poor man has no peace of mind 🤦🏻♂️.”
@Bobbydbobo: “These marketers sha. Same Jesus who said, ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.’ They twist the Bible for their own gain.”
@AtarodoScotch: “If this is true, with all due respect, ‘You are mad, sir.’ What is this? 😤🙄”
@VivienVivicoko: “Was Lazarus his friend a rich man? Was Peter’s mother-in-law a rich woman?”
The preacher’s comments continue to divide opinions, with many questioning the biblical basis of his statements and others defending his perspective on prosperity.
