Why Does Jesus Speak So Harshly to the Rich and Comfortable?

The Revised Common Lectionary takes us to Jesus’ teaching in chapter 6 this week. We will be here for two weeks. This is Luke’s version of Matthew’s sermon on the mount. Instead of going up on a mountain and proclaiming beatitudes, Jesus comes down from the mountain to stand on a level place. He heals everyone in the crowd–rich, poor, Jew, Gentile. Then he speaks stark, clear words of blessings and warnings, much like Moses did in Deuteronomy.
Notice who is blessed and who is warned. Blessed are the poor, the hungry, the mourners, the hated on account of the Son of Man. They are in the company of all the prophets of God.
Woe to whom? Who are the ones in danger? The rich, the comfortable, the ones who seek fame and popularity more than God’s love and justice; these are the ones who should beware.
It seems Jesus is saying, “When Rome destroys Jerusalem, who will be crying then? When the city that was built up on the backs of the poor and outcast comes crashing down, who will be laughing then?”
It could be easy to let these words sow a spirit of spite and hatred toward the rich and powerful oppressors of our world. But, stay tuned. Next week Jesus reminds his disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.
For now, let us consider our own hearts. Where do you fall on this spectrum? Are you among the poor, the sad, the mourning, the oppressed for the sake of Jesus? Or, are you among the rich, comfortable, and status-seeking-self-protecting crowd who dehumanizes, uses, and dismisses the “lower” classes?
As a middle-class American, I find myself caught in the middle. I am not rich, but I am comfortable. I am protected by the culture built on the backs of the oppressed. Oh Lord, forgive me for the ways I embrace the heart of riches and chase after comfort. Give me courage and wisdom to stand in solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, for your name’s sake. Read my commentary on this HERE.
For the Revised Common Lectionary
- Jeremiah 17:5-10 – Blessed are those who trust in the LORD
- Psalm 1 – Blessed is the one who is rooted in the Torah
- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 – Resurrection is the ground of our hope
- Luke 6:17-26 – Blessing and Warnings
Contemplative Liturgy This Wednesday
This is the second week of February. That brings us to our Contemplative Worship Style for Holy Communion on Wednesday. Join us for a time of silence and contemplative stations of intercession, confession, and communion on the level place. May these difficult words of Jesus’ sermon work deeply in our souls.
