If last week’s parable was quirky and hard to understand, this week’s parable is clear and direct.
Jesus has been in and out of difficult conversations with the religious leaders of his day. While we may
not pick up on all the nuances, with this parable we are deep into God’s clear expectation for the ways of
mercy, compassion, love, and care for the last, lost, least, and little. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are made for the ways of love and shared humanity.
In the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, Jesus reminds us that if we are not interested in participating in God’s creative and redeeming work of love, well, hold on tight. As we listen for God’s word for us this weekend, there are questions this parable invites us to ponder. What does it mean that you are created, redeemed, and sustained by a God whose way is love, care, and compassion? What do we think will happen if we do not live into who God has restored us to be as the followers of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus first and foremost, beyond all other voices (inside and out) that seem to demand our attention?
We will begin our holy conversation by remembering the important teachers, mentors, coaches, and elders in our lives. How did they show you unconditional love? How did they also hold boundaries and expectations for
you that have shaped you and set you on the path?
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Peter