I admit I wrestle with the story of the rich man. Here’s the end of it in verses 21-28:
21 As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him and said, “You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But at this statement, the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were astonished at these words. But again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a came to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were even more astonished and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but not for God; all things are possible for God.”
28 Peter began to speak to him, “Look, we have left everything to follow you!”
I have often heard it taught, and have done so myself, that Jesus didn’t require selling off everything of most of those he called, but look at what Peter said.
I’ve wondered the same thing myself, Jim. When Jesus says, “Go sell whatever you have”, is this advice for everyone or just this man? What are other situations in the Bible that we might draw upon? Did Jesus tell Mary, Martha and Lazarus to sell their things? No. Did God tell King David to do so? No. Did Jesus tell the tax collector to? No. How about Nicodemus? No. When Jesus healed the little girl (who was presumed dead), did he tell their parents to sell everything? No. I don’t think this is a command for everyone. Though at the same time, we don’t want to over-accumulate and be Mr. Bigger Barns. I’ve seen many instances in which God is convicting a person about something, and the person assumes this applies to everyone. For example, some Christians are convicted that they should not go into a bar or dance or see an R-rated movie, send children to public schools, or heaven forbid, go to one of those big churches with loud contemporary 24/7 music. Does this mean all Christians should abstain? No.
I understand what you’re saying, Barb. But those first 12 disciples seem to have given up everything. Where do we draw the line? Where do I draw the line?
I can see your point too, Jim. Perhaps it goes back to each of us abiding in the Vine, spending time sitting in His Presence and listened for what he wants each of us to do.
I agree with you, Barb. In my case, the Spirit DID say to sell almost everything, quit jobs, and move across the world. And it was hard, but I would do it again. God doesn’t call everyone to that, but whatever he IS telling you to do, you better do it! I think in this case, Jesus saw to the young man’s heart and what was inhibiting him from following Jesus wholeheartedly.
“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.[g]”
This response from Jesus seems to imply that we will receive those things back IN THIS LIFE, in addition to eternal life in the future. I think the challenge to the rich young man was to trust the Lord to provide, and not his own wealth. It’s a big challenge to all of us today, as well. We can say we trust, but how do we trust with our actions? The Lord convicts us all individually and our challenge is to respond with obedience in our own lives and not assume it’s for everyone else, too (even though it might be!).
Twice in this chapter, Jesus doesn’t let people around him shush the overlooked. First, with the children, then with Blind Bartimeaus. I love how Jesus takes time interact with everyone. I get the feeling from the crowd’s response to Bartimeaus that he’s kind of annoying, one of those people that everyone knows and tolerates. Maybe he regularly shouted from his place by the gate. But Jesus isn’t annoyed and shows great love and compassion. Jesus’ patience and love challenge me!