What Would Jesus Be Worth on the Stock Market?

The stock market is tumbling and recession fears are growing.

Some companies are freezing their hiring while others have begun cutting back on spending. And as the stock market dips further into recession territory, the value of many organizations and our economy becomes less and less.

At times like this, it’s important to remember something essential.

Contrary to what the economists might say, humans have seldom been good at assessing value.

Value of the valueless

By only speaking dollar signs, much of our public discourse flattens out worth the financial output of individuals, corporation, organizations, communities, and nations.

After all, what’s the average salary of a stay-at-home parent?

Or a special ed teacher?

What’s the value of the voiceless?

Or time spent with family?

What’s the value to a pay-cut that makes you more available to serve your community?

We struggle to value these things because they lack economic output. We can’t ascribe financial fruit to them. They don’t contribute to our GDP or push us to a new tax bracket.

Value of Christ

What, in human eyes, is the value of the Son of God?

Nothing.

When we turn to Scripture we’re told he is “the stone that the builders rejected.” Human valuations found Jesus lacking after sizing him up and measuring him out. He was rejected, tossed aside, and rendered worthless.

“But the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”

He who was deemed worthless turned out to be cornerstone of cosmic redemption and the launching pad of God’s re-creating activity.

This is good news indeed.

It means that all the people, acts, and activities that “the market” doesn’t value are picked up by God, placed in his sight, and embraced for what they truly are—immeasurable valuable. Grafted into the resurrection of the Rejected One who is now the cornerstone of redemption.

Keep this in mind in the coming days as the stock market continues to tumble and fears loom large.

Our hope isn’t in what can be measured by sight—we walk by faith.