Luke 12:8-21 | I Timothy 6:17-19
It’s not always easy to tell where the breaks are in the flow of the gospels. For instance, did this person from the crowd ask Jesus his question immediately after what the text says Jesus talked about?
If so, we have a lot to talk about.
Jesus warns against rejection of him and his message, but concludes with encouragement about trusting in the Holy Spirit. Don’t worry too much about crafting well-worded theological treatises in moments of persecution: God by my spirit will help you.
“Jesus, I would like my money.”
…
It’s not that Jesus doesn’t care about money.
Oh, wait. Yes it is.
Actually, he seems to be ambivalent about getting into how humans deal with money amongst themselves. (Taxes. Inheritances. We don’t even have record of him getting into it with Judas about his misuse of the common purse John tells us about.1)
He’s quite concerned about what money does to people. But you won’t find a “Jesus How-To” on personal budgeting (despite the efforts of some “Christian” organizations.”
The end-game for Jesus, regardless of topic - money, relationships, owning a home, creation care, whatever - is Lordship. Jesus has not come that we might learn how to tinker around with life. He has come for inner transformation.
(Which will absolutely affect all those other things.)
Money is a big deal in life. But it’s not the main deal. What we find with Christ is that money won’t go away with life in him, but we better understand what to do with it (and we actually won’t care as much).
That’s a freedom so many of us want and need.
Luke 12:8-21
“I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before humans, the Human One will acknowledge before God’s angels. But the one who rejects me before others will be rejected before God’s angels. Anyone who speaks a word against the Human One will be forgiven, but whoever insults the Holy Spirit won’t be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues, rulers, and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what you should say. The Holy Spirit will tell you at that very moment what you must say.”
Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
Jesus said to him, “Man, who appointed me as judge or referee between you and your brother?”
Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” Then he told them a parable: “A certain rich man’s land produced a bountiful crop. He said to himself, What will I do? I have no place to store my harvest! Then he thought, Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. That’s where I’ll store all my grain and goods. I’ll say to myself, You have stored up plenty of goods, enough for several years. Take it easy! Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself. But God said to him, ‘Fool, tonight you will die. Now who will get the things you have prepared for yourself?’ This is the way it will be for those who hoard things for themselves and aren’t rich toward God.”
I Timothy 6:17-19
Tell people who are rich at this time not to become egotistical and not to place their hope on their finances, which are uncertain. Instead, they need to hope in God, who richly provides everything for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others. When they do these things, they will save a treasure for themselves that is a good foundation for the future. That way they can take hold of what is truly life.
Prayer
God,
I know I can’t avoid money completely. But I sure would like it to not control my life. Frankly…pragmatically, it seems like having a lot of it would be the easiest solution. But my wealthy friends tell me this isn’t true. And I imagine you’d say the same.
So short of winning the lottery, help me to be a good steward. Move me to generosity. Keep me free from indebtedness that would interrupt the life you have for me. Make my heart and mind be free of the financial chains that can so strongly weigh down. Help me take care of those within my realm according to the ways of your Kingdom.
Deliver me from wants that are not needs. Help me see the people in front of me not as financial strain or gain, but as creature of your image-bearing.
Same for my own self.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.