In the age of virality and soundbites, it is not uncommon for religious leaders to say shocking things to jolt their audience into attention.
But some statements go beyond mere provocation — they distort history, misrepresent sacred figures, and insult the very values they claim to uphold.
Such is the case with the recent statement reportedly made by Pastor David Ibiyeomie, in which he allegedly claimed that “Jesus hates poor people” and “never visited them.”
As a Muslim who reveres Jesus (known as Isa Alayhis Salam in Islam) as a mighty prophet and messenger of God, I find this claim not only theologically bankrupt but morally offensive. And even within the framework of Christian doctrine, such an assertion collapses under the weight of scripture, logic, and history.
To claim that Jesus “never visited poor people” is to ignore the most basic facts of his life.
Jesus was born in a manger — not a palace. His earthly father was a carpenter. He lived without luxury, had no home of his own (Luke 9:58), and walked among the lowly, the sick, and the oppressed.
This, for me, is not symbolic — it is foundational to the message he preached.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus declares unequivocally: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” — Luke 4:18. If this verse is not a direct contradiction to Pastor Ibiyeomie’s statement, I don’t know what is.
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus’ compassion for the poor is consistent and profound.
He fed the hungry, healed beggars and lepers, associated with tax collectors and sinners, and praised the widow who gave her last coin in offering.
He rebuked the rich for their obsession with wealth and urged them to share with those in need: “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” — Mark 10:21
How does this square with the idea of a Jesus who “hates poor people”?
In Islam, Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) is described in the Qur’an as someone who was blessed and pure, who healed the sick, revived the dead (by Allah’s leave), and called people to righteousness. He is seen as a beacon of humility, not a preacher of prosperity.
What underpins this kind of statement is the twisted doctrine of “prosperity gospel” — a belief that wealth is a sign of divine favour and poverty is a sign of spiritual failure. This theology is not only unbiblical; it is cruel.
It erases the dignity of millions who live in poverty not because of laziness or sin, but because of systemic injustice, poor governance, or simply fate.
To preach that Jesus hated the poor is to give theological cover for greed, classism, and contempt — things Jesus himself stood against.
Religious leaders wield great influence. When that influence is used to spread divisive, harmful, and false doctrines, it must be challenged — respectfully but firmly.
Pastor Ibiyeomie’s reported statement should not be excused as “motivational” or “figurative.” It is misleading, dangerous, and a betrayal of the very scriptures he professes to teach.
Jesus stood with the poor. He blessed them. He fed them. He loved them.
To say otherwise is to rewrite holy history.
#JAAT
