What Don't You See?

by Brian Singer-Towns

Reflecting on the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31) leads us to not simply one point or lesson to share, but three of them. These are lessons that we all know but need to be reminded of so that we don't fool ourselves into thinking that we've perfected our walk with God.

The First Lesson

At the end of a popular Gospel reading from earlier in Chapter 16, we hear Jesus saying, "You cannot serve God and mammon." What we don't often (if ever) hear is his listeners' response, "The Pharisees who loved money, heard all these things and sneered at him" (Luke 16:14). Faced with this reaction, Jesus continues to try to touch the people's hardened hearts by telling the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Lesson One: Despite our thick-heads and hard-hearts God never gives up trying to reach us. We have a patient and faithful God!

The Second Lesson

We are more like the rich man than we want to acknowledge. It is easy to tune out and isolate ourselves so we don't see the needs that might make us feel guilty for not responding. Think of this in terms of everyday family life. Sometimes I don't see that the kitchen that needs cleaning because it would delay the time I was going to spend with friends. Or I don't notice and take time to be supportive with a family member struggling with a problem at work or school because I'm eager to watch the new movie I just bought. Or I don't encourage a family member to start a healthier diet and needed exercise because then I'd have to face my own unhealthy habits.

Lesson Two: There are many reasons for ignoring the needs of others but rarely are any of them good reasons!

The Third Lesson

It is important for us to understand that Jesus doesn't criticize the rich man's wealth. No, the rich man's sin was that he failed to see poor Lazarus as a person in need. Jesus knows this because if the rich man had truly seen Lazarus he would have been moved to respond by sharing his wealth.

Lesson Three: For Jesus' disciples an openness to honestly see the needs of others and the willingness to respond with compassionate and sacrificial action are inseparably linked.

For Reflection

Here's a simple "vision" test. Ask yourself, "Would an outside observer notice that my actions indicate that I see the needs that exist in my family, our community, throughout the world?" If your actions don't show it, then you aren't really seeing with the eyes of Jesus.

Copyright 2004 by Brian Singer-Towns
All rights reserved.