The Beatitudes: Part 9 – Woe To Those Who Are Rich

Jesus says, “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Jesus teaches the Beatitudes in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In Matthew it is part of the Sermon on the Mount. In Luke it is part of the Sermon on the Plains. But our Lord adds four woes, or words of sorrow, immediately following the beatitudes in Luke. The woes are a warning to all who reject or disregard Christ’s instructions concerning the beatitudes. Here Jesus says, “What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now.” Imagine trading an eternity of spiritual happiness for a few measly years of happiness on earth! People do it all the time. People who call themselves Christians do it all the time! It is the saddest thing that happens on earth. Jesus warned us, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?” Jesus calls that person a fool. It’s time to start laying up treasures in heaven!