Luke 16-17:10 and John 11

Wealth

When dealing with the subject of wealth within the christian church, the topic tends to get a bit touchy. In a world where prosperity gospel still has strong following, I tend to fight off wealth as a big no no in the eyes of God. Or at least I used to, these days I take a more balanced approach to the discussion between living with nothing and having so much you don't know what to do with it. Jesus takes the very same approach here in Luke as he discusses how those who are "faithful with a little is also faithful with much, and one who is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much" 

You see money is not something that is either promised for us or against us. Its something that God expects us to use wisely and with His heart behind it, no matter how much we have. Faithfulness to God in our worldly possessions is so important and our heart will always be the determining factor in whether we use those possessions wisely or not. 

The resurrection of Lazarus

One of my favorite things about Jesus is His compassion. The humanity He shows is constant source of amazement to me. He is so very human and at the same time He is God. This is represented remarkably well in the story of Lazarus. After seeing the sadness of Mary and Martha over Lazarus' death Jesus himself weeps. He also reminds Mary that He is the coming resurrection both then, now and in the future. That is some amazing imagery.