Mennonite Weekly Review

As we look at Jesus’ encounter with a wealthy man, we hear a radical invitation not only to follow Jesus but also to join the new covenant community he is forming.

Andres

Jerusalem is looming, and we feel its shadow in Jesus’ teachings. Since last we saw him, he’s spoken more than once about his imminent sufferings. His instruction on the kingdom, discipleship and bringing our lives under God’s rule are radical and perplexing (8:34-38; 9:33-37; 10:13-16).

What it takes

Into this runs a rich man, who asks what he must do to get eternal life. Jesus answers: “You know the commandments …” (10:19, Message). When the man eagerly declares he’s kept them since childhood, “Jesus looked him hard in the eye — and loved him!” (21). In the NIV Practical Application Commentary, David Garland notes that out of that love Jesus challenges the man with what he needs to hear for his own good: “One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (21, NIV). The man’s face falls because, as The Message puts it, “He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go” (22).

Undoubtedly, his expression wasn’t the only one that changed. When Jesus looks at his disciples, he elaborates: “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven” (23, NIV). What is this teaching? Jesus not only turns away potential funding, scholars note, he also overturns a popular perception about wealth and God’s favor. But Jesus isn’t finished. Entering the kingdom is so hard, he says: “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” (25).

Flabbergasted, the disciples ask: “Then who has any chance at all?” (26, Message).

Jesus cuts to the quick: “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it” (27).

When Peter points out that the disciples have done what the rich man refused, Jesus wants to make sure they really get it: Yes, those who sacrifice family and home will discover a larger family and home — and eternal life, too. But living in that new family and kingdom will draw persecutions. The world will see you as last, but you will be first in the end.

The same call today

There are challenging lessons here about wealth and the kingdom: Wealth tempts us toward a false sense of security. Power and independence that are in direct opposition to the kingdom. Real security is found in radical dependence on and surrender of our whole lives to God. True power is found in serving and loving others.