November 5, 2023 - Good News for the Rich & the Powerful (Luke 18-19)

After seeing Jesus as good news for the helpless and oppressed, we also consider how he is also good news to the other end of society’s spectrum: the rich and powerful. In Luke’s Gospel we read contrasting stories about people in similar social situations: both the anonymous “rich young ruler” and Zacchaeus are wealthy and powerful; both engage with Jesus; he challenges their actions, and also their hearts, motives and worship. One man responds to Jesus well; the other does not.

Today, it’s still hard to convince people who “have it all together” of their need for Jesus: with wealth and power, many seem able to get whatever they need, or want… often at others’ expense. As Jesus did with these men, he reveals the things that satisfy us (our idols) and invites us to turn to a better God, who alone truly satisfies. Having already left the riches of heaven and his rightful throne, Jesus would humble himself further, dying for our pride and idolatry and rising to grant us true richness and satisfaction, in this life and in eternity with God.