Connect Amos 6:6 to Jesus' teachings on wealth and responsibility. The Setting of Amos 6:6 “They drink wine by the bowlful and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but they are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph.” • Israel’s elite enjoy extravagant comfort while the nation’s spiritual and social fabric collapses. • “Joseph” stands for the Northern Kingdom; its “ruin” is ignored by those who could help. • The prophet condemns self-indulgence divorced from compassion. How Jesus Echoes the Prophetic Rebuke • Luke 4:18-19 – Jesus claims the prophetic mantle “to preach good news to the poor,” signaling continuity with Amos. • Matthew 5:4, 7 – “Blessed are those who mourn…Blessed are the merciful.” Kingdom citizens feel and act. • Luke 11:39-42 – He rebukes religious leaders who polish the outside while neglecting “justice and the love of God.” Parables That Mirror Amos 6:6 • Luke 12:16-21 (Parable of the Rich Fool) – The farmer stores surplus for self; God calls him “Fool,” exposing a heart numb to kingdom priorities. • Luke 16:19-31 (Rich Man and Lazarus) – The rich man “feasted sumptuously every day” yet never noticed Lazarus’ sores. His fate fulfills Amos’s warning. • Matthew 25:31-46 (Sheep and Goats) – Eternal judgment hinges on tangible care for “the least of these.” Neglect equals indifference toward Christ Himself. Jesus’ Direct Teaching on Wealth and Responsibility • Matthew 6:19-21 – Treasures in heaven outlast earthly stockpiles. • Matthew 6:24 – “You cannot serve God and mammon.” • Luke 12:33-34 – “Sell your possessions and give to the poor…an inexhaustible treasure in heaven.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-18 – The affluent are “to do good, to be rich in good works, generous and willing to share.” Key Principles Drawn Together - God owns everything; we manage it (Psalm 24:1; James 1:17). - Wealth is a gift and a test: will it feed complacency or compassion? - Genuine righteousness includes grief over brokenness and action to relieve it (2 Corinthians 7:10; Isaiah 58:6-7). - Neglect of the vulnerable invites divine judgment; generosity stores eternal treasure. Practical Pathways for Modern Disciples • Schedule generosity first in your budget; treat giving as worship, not leftovers. • Identify the “ruin” around you—local poverty, persecuted believers, missions—and engage with time, talent, and treasure. • Simplify lifestyle choices: distinguish needs from luxuries; funnel excess toward gospel-driven mercy. • Cultivate awareness: regular news of suffering should move us to lament and practical help, not entertainment. • Measure success by faithfulness and eternal impact, echoing Jesus’ call to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). |