In Luke 6:24, Jesus says:
"But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort."
What did he mean by this?
2007-12-03 05:32:37 · 12 answers · asked by Billybww 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's a socio-economic critique. If you are hoarding far more than you need while your neighbor suffers in need of assistance then you are choosing not to do unto that person as you would have them do unto you and are also living in fear of non-existence (the reason to store up massive wealth you'll never use). In this state of being, you've been asked, "The money or your life?" and you've chosen the money.
Jesus would not be against people living well at all - you can't constantly give unless you always have too much for your own needs. But there comes a point of excess. Also, it is important to remember that Jesus' society cared for their elders whereas we have to save up or fund entitlements. Either way, that makes our futures far less certain and so creates the need to have some money saved. But even then we can set *some* reasonable standards, can't we?
2007-12-03 05:39:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus is first and foremost a teacher whose purpose is to help us understand the consequences of our actions and what we must do to inherit everlasting life.
By describing the 'Woe's' Jesus is explaining that only suffering can come from a concept of worldy riches and material 'wealth.'
In the book of Acts we read that those who became Church shared everything in common, and this action gives a clue describing the nature of a real 'Christian.'
It also describes one of the principles of building the Kingdom of God, here and now.
2007-12-03 06:11:54 · answer #2 · answered by the_metaphysician2001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Jesus' time and even into today's time where material weath was/is so aggresively sought after, it is increasingly difficult for wealthy people to understand true happiness and to manifest true fatherly love toward their fellow human beings because they think all this possesion of wealth is what will give them happiness. Jesus was trying to impress his followers and his apostles - again- that his kingdom is spiritual; God is spirit; to enter the kingdom of Heaven one must loose the bonds of materialism and of the flesh and the ways of this world in order to become humbled enough to seek spiritual truth and find it. Woe simply means the opposite of happy. The rich to whom he apparently was speaking had not yet found true spiritual happiness; the kind that is everlasting happiness, even joy and peace that passes all understanding.
2007-12-03 05:47:47 · answer #3 · answered by Holly Carmichael 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was talking about the materialism of some who valued their money and comforts as first in their lives.
They put this before any spiritual or Godly interests. That means the present and future comforts from God would be missing from their lives.
2007-12-03 05:38:58 · answer #4 · answered by grnlow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the apostle paul answere this question vey well whan he wrote to the Corinthians "if this life only you have hope, you are most pitiful".
Many rich people behave as if they don't need God, or His salvation. They use their wealth is very selfish ways, and receive their comfort (or reward in other translations).
There is no sin in being wealthy...it's who you give credit for your wealth and how you use it.
2007-12-03 05:41:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means Woe to them that trust in riches, that have an abundance of the world's wealth, and instead of serving God with it, serve their lusts with it.
2007-12-03 05:40:23 · answer #6 · answered by Prison Lt. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means that some people with a lot of money choose this life over next life, and they want their goodies right now and willing to trade it in for eternal happiness.
2007-12-03 05:43:59 · answer #7 · answered by layn da smckdwn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is refering to those who are rich in spirit, who put their HOPE and their FAITH in money and not in Jesus/God.
Jesus knew many rich people and was fine with their having money, what is bad is when you break the ten commandments, and you put something, ANYTHING before your God.
That is in the first five.
No other gods before me.
If money is what you put your trust in, money is what you will have, but you will not have God.
If you have money but put your trust in God, you will have both.
If you put your trust in God but don't have money, you have God but don't have money.
Jess - feel free to email
2007-12-03 05:37:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are only out to obtain worldly, material goods, and that is your only objective, then you get what you get and nothing else.
2007-12-03 05:42:52 · answer #9 · answered by colebolegooglygooglyhammerhead 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
THAT IS IS GOING TO BE HARDER FOR FOR TO MAKE IT TO HEAVEN. BECAUSE YOU HAVE ALL YOU NEED HERE ON EARTH. THE POOR PEOPLE ARE THE ONES WHO SEEK COMFORT IN GOD BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE ANYTHING.
SO WE PRAY FOR COMFORT AND GET CLOSE TO HIM.
GOD BLESS
2007-12-03 05:37:08 · answer #10 · answered by shannon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋