I read somewhere that Jesus answered 113 questions, 52 of which were his own, and 61 from others.If there was a guy standing on a corner in the first century selling a list of “Questions to be avoided when talking to Jesus,” I wonder which one would be at the top of the list?“Who is my neighbour?” (Lk.10:29) would surely be up near the top. No one around Israel would have been happy with Jesus’ answer to that one.Asking, “By what authority do you do these things?” ended badly for the religious leaders. When Jesus brought up John the Baptist, they had more sense than to talk about it. They were afraid of upsetting the crowd, who might have stoned them, because they considered John a prophet. But for the average man, who really didn’t want to change, but only wanted his faith affirmed by Jesus, I would say that the question asked by The Rich Young Ruler would be at the top of that list of “Questions to be avoided when talking to Jesus.” He asked Jesus:“Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk.10:18.)He should have stayed home. He already believed that he had eternal life. His question was a formality.Jesus didn’t argue his claim to keeping the Law of Moses.Instead, Jesus went straight to the core of this rich young man’s spiritual security—his wealth.He told him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Lk.10:22).His worldly abundance was the source of his heavenly poverty. He must now sell off his family fortune and start a ‘True Riches’ portfolio in heaven.No wonder he went away sad. He had spent a lifetime managing a successful life under the Law of God. Now he is told to give it all away to those at the bottom of society. Surely, Jesus could have said, “Its up to you. Go away and think about it and I might see you on the road, later.”Instead, Jesus demanded instant action. He said, “…and come, follow Me.”
John Staiger
Please feel free to share. (346)
0 Comments