Sunday, October 23, 2022 —
Jesus ended last week’s story of the persistent widow with the question, “But when the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?” He then told the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in the temple. That Pharisee thought he had it all, but he needed to learn he really had nothing to offer God. Only then could he ask for mercy like the Tax Collector. After Jesus told that parable, people brought their children to Jesus so He could bless them. The “adults in the room” wanted to chase them away. The adult disciples also needed to learn that they, just like little children, are totally dependent on God for everything.
Now in Sunday’s Gospel Lesson, a rich young ruler approaches Jesus to ask for a few pointers on how to be even a little better than he already though He was. Jesus loved him enough to be honest and show him that he wasn’t good enough to earn heaven. Jesus hit him where it hurt the most: in his pocketbook: “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” That was Jesus’ way of personalizing the Law for this man. He needed to learn his dependence on God and stop trusting himself and his own inadequate works.
Our Epistle Lesson emphasizes how easy it is to let the world and wealth become our false god. Therefore, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Our Old Testament Lesson is from Deuteronomy, which is Moses’ farewell sermon just before the children of Israel enter the promised land. After reminding them of all their rebellion against God during the 40 years wandering in the wilderness, he urges them to obey God, not to earn His favor but in response to His great and forgiving mercy to them.
Our sermon will be on the Gospel Lesson under the theme: What Is Impossible for People Is Possible for God.
This Week’s Lessons:
Deuteronomy 10:12–22
1 John 2:15–17
Luke 18:18–30 (sermon text)
Psalm 90