Luke chapters 18 amd 19 tell three successive stories about three rich men: the rich young ruler, Zaccheus and a man who went on a journey to receive a kingdom.
The rich young ruler is obviously dependent on his wealth, his youth and his authority. In his own words, he has kept the law since his youth and now seeks affirmation from Jesus. He asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” as if there is nothing left to be done. He has all the bases covered. Jesus says, “There is one thing you lack….”
Zaccheus is in a similar state: rich, successful, authoritative, poiltically aligned with Rome (a tax collector) and religiously aligned with Israel. But he knows a Savior when he sees one. He goes to quite some effort to see him, obeys his command, offers hospitality and confesses his sin with a brash attempt at recompense. Jesus says, “Salvation has come to your house today.”
One man trying to save himself; one man who knows his need of a Savior.
Jesus follows these two encounters with a parable. A rich man goes on a journey to receive a kingdom. (Jesus, himself?) He leaves his slaves some money with which to do business. The slaves who trust the master work and earn and see the money grow. The slave who does not trust the master hides and hordes the money. When the master returns he asks for the money back. The slaves who trusted the master simply gave the money back without question–even the excess they had earned for the master. The slave who did not trust gave the money back along with insults, excuses and accusations. The slaves who trusted, did not get any money back. Instead they received freedom and power to rule over great cities. The slave who mistrusted, received nothing.
Jesus said it was impossible for the rich to be saved. They trust in themselves.
The apostles were probalby amazed and a little horified. The rich had it made! And they asked “Then who can be saved?” Jesus said that what is impossible with men (salvation) is possible with God. God who is rich in mercy lavishes it on us.
Richly!
