The Bible discusses wealth far more often than many people realize, especially when it comes to the unique struggles that people can be vulnerable to with riches. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the scriptures’ complex understanding of not being attached to money without espousing the ascetic’s life either. This parable explores greed and generosity as well as maturity with our material possessions as one particular evidence of our spiritual state with God.
Key Points from the Podcast
· Most of the parables feel more generic, but this one feels much more like a real story that Jesus had more knowledge about than any normal person could. People in parables are not typically named, but this one specifically names Lazarus, so that is noteworthy.
· The ironic truth of this parable is that its ending is proved. Jesus ultimately came back from the dead, and people still didn’t believe his message. Scripture is truly sufficient to reveal the light to people or condemn them if they still choose to not believe.
· Even after death, the rich man is still entitled. He knows Lazarus’s name yet doesn’t address him directly and still attempts to order him around.
· Jesus isn’t condemning wealth in this parable; he’s far more concerned with the mentality that wealth often accompanies where people are inclined to be defined by their wealth and also forget the needs of others because they don’t feel those needs themselves.
· Those who are given more in life will have more required of them by God. This is a principle that Jesus points out, so those with earthly wealth should consider ways that we can be generous.
· The finality of judgment and the kingdom of God is a theme that is emphasized in this parable but also runs throughout all the parables. This story and the others are plea for people to evaluate their own lives very seriously.
Bible Verses Referenced in the Podcast
Luke 16:19-31, Matthew 25:40-46, Luke 12:47-48,
About Joshua West
Joshua West serves as the Church Leadership Network Director at World Challenge helping equip and empower pastors all over the world. Joshua’s desire is to raise up ministers who will correctly and boldly preach the word with passion and integrity. The point of all his work and writings is to preach the gospel, glorify God and to teach sound doctrine.