Gospel lesson of the week
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 12:13-21
In God’s reign, the “rich will be sent away empty.” Jesus uses a parable to warn against identifying the worth of one’s life with the value of one’s possessions rather than one’s relationship with God.
13Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus,] “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14But Jesus said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15And Jesus said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” 16Then Jesus told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ 18Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”
Gospel Reflection Questions
- “God’s riches” are, of course, more than money – What are the “riches” in your life?
- How do you share God’s blessings in your life with others?”
- What are the areas in your life where you can share more with others?
Prayer
Benevolent God, you are the source, the guide, and the goal of our lives. Teach us to love what is worth loving, to reject what is offensive to you, and to treasure what is precious in your sight, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Mt. Olive's online Bible Study is a weekly opportunity to reflect on the coming weekend's Gospel text before worship. We encourage you to read the text, reflect on the questions & pray individually and then with others.
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