As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.
And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” They were even more astonished and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”
(Mark 10:17-27)
Background
Jesus was approached by a young man. One of those guys who was deliberate and intentional…somebody who seemed to have it all together. He had likely worked hard in his professional life. The guy had accumulated wealth – box checked. Status – box checked.
But he had this gnawing feeling. “Good teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus – “Keep the commandments”
Young ruler – “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up”
Jesus – “One thing you lack. Sell all your possessions. Give the money to the poor. And you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me”
He left sad. He had great wealth. A safe life chosen. The treasures of this world chosen over the treasures of the next.
This episode was watched closely by the disciples. In the follow-up Jesus made an even more radical statement “It will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”. The disciples were astonished.
Interesting. Those of us “blessed” with wealth are at a disadvantage of entering the kingdom of God.
Reflections
It is easy to read this scripture and stand on the sidelines. “Mr. and Mrs. so and so have a big boat and vacation house. They drive a big car. They are the ones that are really rich. Not me.” Many of us tend to compare ourselves with others a few rungs up in the socio-economic structure.
Over the last year my job has taken me to places in Bangladesh; India; Cambodia; Philippines; Vietnam and China. I’ve watched the people closely. I’ve concluded that most of us Americans are rich.
This passage scares me. Has money over the years captured portions of my heart? Tethered it to thinking of vacations; entertainment; restaurants; cars and stuff? Would I have sold it all? Would I have pursued a life of untold memories with Him and the other disciples?…Or left sad? Do I focus on building up treasures in heaven…or treasures on earth?
I have typically not pursued ostentatious material things (in my opinion). I package it more subtly. I have pursued financial security for my family. And often at the expense of relationships. Many times I’m afraid that I have made the wrong choice and walked away…sad.
Lord, this scripture is so challenging. Help me not to minimize the message and pretend that this doesn’t apply to me. Rationalize it away. Let your holy spirit drive this truth deep into my heart. Help me to understand that you don’t ask us to give something up without returning something of greater value. The rich ruler’s life would have been so much more meaningful having followed you. Help me to trust you. And to be willing to give it all. Holding nothing back. Willing to trust you. Amen.
What if God asked us to sell it all, give it to the poor and follow Him?
What if... 