The front page of this week's Salvationist (dated 2 February 2008) quotes a Bible verse from my second most favourite story. I have a love/hate relationship with it because I don't like sad endings! I love this story because a young man comes to Jesus asking questions, but I think the young man either got too complicated for his own good, or had already decided following Jesus was not for him. In the end I feel people who get the best out of their relationship with Jesus are those who keep things simple. People who were healed by Jesus generally came to him humbly and expectantly, and they were not disappointed.Jesus answered, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 19:21-22 NIV
The young man found the pearl of greatest price, I wonder what stopped him selling up for it?
2 comments:
One of the most important perspectives we can see in Jesus is the action of Him using a clarifying lens when relating to Scripture. He added understanding to the existing understanding - those Commandments the rich young ruler was confident about had an additional componant. All the Commandments Jesus highlighted were the ones which accentuated horizontal relationships - the ones connected to the treatment of other people. AND then He adds His important clarifier - love your neighbor as yourself. Loving God and loving each other was His mantra, including "and give to the poor."
It is a challenge and a discipline to continue to place ourselves within the relevant words of Christ.
You have a magnificent post tonight. Thank you for your illumination and thoughts.
Thanks for reading my blog. Thanks for your encouragement. Marta.
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