Christ clearly means what he says when quoting the prophet: He has been anointed by God’s Spirit to preach good tidings to the poor (Luke 4:18). To the prosperous, the tidings he bears are decidedly grim: “But alas for you who are rich, for you have your comfort. Alas for you who are now replete, for you will be hungry. Alas for those now laughing, for you will mourn and lament” (Luke 6:24–25). As Abraham tells Dives in Hades, “You received your good things during your life . . . and now . . . you are in torment” (Luke 16:25).
