The Rich Ruler

Luke 18:18-29

How many of us have asked someone a question…and then didn’t like the answer? I would guess that we all have many times over. However, I do not believe that I have ever said as the rich ruler said, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Have you asked Jesus that question? I don’t think we ask because we know we don’t what to know the answer.

Jesus told this fellow that he needed to follow the commandments: do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother. And the Rich Ruler said he has been following the commandments since he was a boy. I think he must be an extraordinary fellow. I don’t know of many people who have followed all ten of the commandments throughout their lifetimes.

Jesus gave the Rich Ruler one other direction. He was to sell everything he had, give it to the poor, and follow Jesus. We look upon this as a parable in the Bible. However, it is a story for us as well. What will we give up to follow Jesus? Is He truly first in our lives. As you look around your homes, would you give all of it up to follow Jesus? That is what the Rich Ruler was asked to do. Jesus didn’t tell him that he could keep part of it. He said to sell everything and give it to the poor.

As I look around my apartment, I see books I wouldn’t want to sell. I see CDs, CD player, TV, and computer that I would not want to sell. And that is not counting my clothes and car. What are we to make of this parable? Do you think that Jesus really meant for the Rich Ruler to get rid of everything? I think He did. Now, I recognize this is a different time and place. I wonder what Jesus would ask us to give up in this day and age? I do know one thing. We wouldn’t want to do it. Many of us would think it was too much to ask…even to follow Jesus.

Carol

Bible Breath: Sell your things / And follow Me