A Certain Young Ruler
Luke 18:18–29.
He seemed to make sense then, this Jesus, the “prophet,”
A few days ago when he urged being shrewd
When making investments to earn a good profit,
But now I can see the man wants to exclude
All those who know business and aren’t just naïve.
He talks of approaching your life as a child.
To not pursue money, he’d have you believe,
Is some kind of virtue—the thought is just wild!
He’ll ask you to give all you have to the poor,
And then he’ll make fun of your reasoned excuse:
It takes wealth to make wealth, so don’t close the door
To growing your talent and means to produce.
I’ll stay with safe rites and religion by rules—
And he can go on now appealing to fools.
Zacchaeus
Luke 19:1–10.
I know I’m not likeable—just not the sort.
The people resent any agent of Rome—
And then, besides that, I’m so little and short.
But Jesus was willing to stay in my home.
Despite what folks whispered, he called me his friend.
And then, when he saw that my promise was true,
He silenced them all and went on to commend
The things I would do—and said I’m now saved too.
I sold my possessions and gave to the poor
And tried to return all I’d stolen by graft.
My young-feeling spirit—it’s panting for more.
I’m giddy when giving, and often I’ve laughed.
What Jesus is teaching no longer seems odd—
A choice must be made between mammon and God.
