Les Usuriers by Quentin Metsys
1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
READ + REFLECT + RESPOND
READ:
Read the passage slowly and carefully in your favorite version. Then do it again! Consider reading the verses aloud. Copying them by hand will also help you remember them better than just reading them.
REFLECT:
- Write the passage in your own words.
- What is the main point?
- What are the key words in the text?
- Those who show socioeconomic favoritism have certain ideas of what it means to live the high class life. What are they? Contrast these ideas with the ironic use of “glorious” and “kingdom” and “noble” and “royal” in verses 1, 5, 7, and 8. What really is the higher life of the Christian?
- James is not writing primarily to people who are rich themselves, as you can deduce from verses 6-7. His readers seem to be middle class folks, “dear brothers and sisters” and “believers in our glorious Lord”. Why are they tempted to cater to the rich and spurn the poor in their church meetings?
- Our attitudes lead to our words and deeds. How do you see this play out in this passage? What specific thoughts might someone have in their head and heart if they say and do these things? Are these attitudes familiar in your own soul?
- There are two contrasts in this passage: poor people vs. rich people, and mercy vs. favoritism. Make a comparison list for each set of words with what this passage says about them.
- What verses in James 1 are closely related to this passage in James 2? How do they expand each other’s meaning?
- Why do you think James writing about being lawbreakers if we are saved by grace through faith?
- What is the “royal law” (including the first part of it not quoted by James - see Matthew 22:34-40) and how are all of God’s other laws summed up in that?
- What is “the law that gives freedom” and why does it judge against those who fail to love? In that context, what is the relationship between mercy and judgment? (I know this is confusing. I haven’t figured it out. I’d love to see your comments on this.)
- Look at the painting at the top of this post. It depicts greedy moneylenders. The title is “Les Usuriers”. What is usury in the Bible, and how does it exploit the poor? What others ways are poor people exploited in modern culture?
RESPOND:
- How can you specifically apply the verses in your own life? I have listed some Action Ideas below.
- What are the potential benefits and challenges of your intended actions? How do you need to prepare to carry them out? Do you need help? If so, who?
- Write a short prayer based on the verses.
Action Ideas
The next passage, James 2:14-26, talks about giving and other practical help for the poor. This one is mainly addressing cultural attitudes, so that’s my first focus for action.
Be aware of discrimination that you see around and within you each day. Be alert to words used in the news media, personal conversations, blogs, Facebook, sermons, and more. How well do they portray the dignity of each human being, regardless of financial status, race, gender, mental health, etc.? How well does your church culture a whole (not just the pastor) embrace people with these differences? Now that you are aware, what are you going to do when you see or hear discrimination?
Look on news websites for global, national, and local stories related to the exploitation or belittlement of the poor or marginalized. As Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.” Who is doing something about it, and how can you join in? If no one is adequately addressing this specific issue, what can you start? At least start the conversation, and then see how far you can take it!
Think about how being marginalized and treated in a demeaning way affects the psychological well-being of those who experience it. Research this, and then purpose to speak and act in ways which bring about emotional and spiritual healing to those who are already beaten down. What intentional ways to you plan to do this today and in the coming week? Make sure you aren’t using platitudes or being patronizing about it. Do this with genuine humility and respect, not “holier than thou” looking for a feel good project. There are some times that we will meet people and never see them again, but don’t be afraid to cultivate ongoing friendships as the opportunities arise.
HYMN
by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
PRAYER & POEM
God of Justice, open our eyes
to see you in the face of those in poverty.
Open our ears to hear you
in the cries of those exploited.
Open our mouths to defend you
in the public squares as well as in private deeds.
Remind us that what we do to the least ones, we do to you.
Amen
(From Being Neighbor: The Catechism and Social Justice, USCCB, April 1998)
by Edgar Allen Guest
Who does his task from day to day
And meets whatever comes his way,
Believing God has willed it so.
Has found real greatness here below.
Who guards his post, no matter where,
Believing God must need him there,
Although but lowly toil it be,
Has risen to nobility.
For great and low there's but one test:
`Tis that each man shall do his best.
Who works with all the strength he can
Shall never die in debt to man.
TAKING IT FURTHER
Click on these links for more resources on this passage.
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