A sermon for the First Sunday after Trinity, by Fr. Josh Leigeber
In the Gospel for Trinity +1, Jesus tells the sobering account of the rich man and Lazarus. The contrast between the two is not simply one of wealth and poverty, but of faith and unbelief. The rich man receives abundant gifts from God but sees them only as instruments for his own comfort. Lazarus, though afflicted and destitute, trusts in the mercy of God and clings to Him as his true treasure.
This sermon explores how faith changes the way we view both our possessions and our neighbors. The Christian learns to see earthly goods not as treasures to be hoarded but as gifts entrusted by God for the service of others. At the same time, we learn that the deepest poverty is not material want but life without Christ and the riches of His Gospel.
Above all, this sermon points to Jesus Christ, who though rich became poor for our sake, taking upon Himself our spiritual poverty and giving us the riches of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Having received such treasures from Him, Christians are freed to love their neighbors in both body and soul.
Listen to the full sermon below as we consider the warning of the rich man, the faith of Lazarus, and the surpassing riches that God has given us in His Son.
All Saints Lutheran Church and School 