I listened to a speaker talking on the rich young man yesterday. He opened my eyes a little. That’s why I read and listen to as many people as possible. By the way, downloading “podcasts” (talks and shows that you put on your iPod for listening later) is a great use of time–better than TV. When I make the 4.5-hour drive to my office in Chicago, I can listen to many podcasts and learn a lot. It’s better than mind-numbing other stuff on the radio.
Anyway, he was pondering the question, was Jesus too harsh with the young man? You remember the story. Rich young man (or rich young ruler depending on which Gospel you read) comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to be saved. (Note the verb “do”) Jesus says follow the commandments (my guess is that Jesus either knew him or knew of him since he was obviously of the aristocratic class). He says he has from his youth.
Let’s pause a second there. He has followed all the commandments? That’s an audacious statement. In fact, isn’t it really impossible?
Regardless, Jesus tells him to sell everything he has and give to the poor. And the man went away unhappy.
So, was Jesus harsh? He didn’t go after him and say, “Hey, wait a minute. I’m still here. Let’s work something out.” Jesus let him go.
In one recording of the story, it begins with “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” Jesus wasn’t hateful to him. I don’t think he was even trying to pile more burdens on him. I don’t think the possession thing is even the point.
The man was trying to earn his way to heaven by being good. Jesus said that we can’t earn our way to heaven. We must turn our lives around (repent) and turn our focus and belief toward God. And Jesus says that if we have a relationship with him (like being his friend) then he will help us find that focus on God and enjoy God the Father’s grace.
The man evidently was still trying to earn his way into grace. Maybe his whole life had centered on the ability to buy his way out of anything. I bet you know people like that today. Therefore, the wealth gets in the way of relationship. I bet you know people like that with their personal relationships–let alone relationship with God.
Tags: attitude, Christianity, lifestyle
Faith Venture 
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