Matthew 19 includes the incident of a young, wealthy man who comes to Jesus with a vital question:
"Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?" [Matthew 19:16 NASB] [All references will be from the NASB unless otherwise noted.]
Doing seems to be his way of operating.
This reminds me of a story told in Acts 8.
Philip was preaching in Samaria where a man named Simon "was astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great." [v.9]. The people came to think that he was working under the power of God. But as Philip continued preaching, baptizing and performing great miracles - Simon was amazed.
Eventually, the apostles in Jerusalem heard about Philip's work and sent Peter and John to check it out. These leaders prayed that the new believers would receive the Holy Spirit as they laid hands on them.
Simon saw that the people's lives were radically changed, so he offered Peter and John money to give him the authority to do what they were doing.
"But Peter said to him, 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Therefore, repent of this wickedness of yours, and Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see that this is an old habit with you, you reek with money-lust." [vs.20-23] [Underlined portion is from The Message]
"But Simon answered and said, 'Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.'" [v.24]
These men are radically different, but both are distracted by the acquisition and protection of wealth!
Jesus engages the wealthy, young ruler in hopes of eliciting a response that would affect this man's heart.
"Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." [v.17]
The young man's response was without hesitation:
"Which ones?" [v.18]
The rabbinic teachings included 613 commandments to be obeyed! This young man seems to want to know which of these are most important.
Here is where it begins to become interesting. Jesus responds by listing several of the commandments from Exodus 20.
- "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER..." [the 6th commandment in Ex.20]
- "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY..." [the 7th commandment in Ex. 20]
- "YOU SHALL NOT STEAL..." [the 8th commandment in Ex.20]
- "YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS..." [the 9th commandment in Ex.20]
- "HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER..." [the 5th commandment in Ex.20]
- "and, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." [not one of the Ten Commandments]
CONJECTURE:
Was this a test?
Did Jesus want to see if this young man actually knew the Ten Commandments?
Now - to be fair - this last command actually does occur in the Torah. It can be found in Leviticus 19:18.
"You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD."
Jesus had also hinted at this teaching earlier in His ministry when He gave what we know as the 'Golden Rule':
"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." [Matthew 7:12]
In several more chapters, Jesus will emphasize and prioritize this teaching for some inquiring Pharisees [Matthew 22:37-40].
And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”
It leaves us wondering why Jesus included this last commandment when it was clearly not one of the original Ten Commandments. It would seem that Jesus was trying to stir something deep within this man.
However, the young man audaciously responds:
"All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?" [v.20]
A counselor - and certainly, Jesus - would notice that this man's response clearly is presumptuous! He views himself as righteous. He lacks humility. He seems to want Jesus to validate his self-thinking.
But, instead, Jesus challenges him to do the one thing that would be hardest for him to do:
If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me." [v.21]
Jesus asks him to become like Himself: have no home, no place to lay his head, and to make all the world into his family!
But, alas, it is too great a request!
But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property." [v.22]
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So many want the benefits of following Jesus without following Him! He is crystal clear that we must not allow money to be our God! Wealth is a powerful distraction! In following verses, Jesus emphasizes this:
"Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven...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." [vs.23-24]
Jesus makes a similar distinction regarding one's family!
"Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, 'If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate [by comparison of his love for Me] his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." [Luke 14:25-26]
Following Jesus has implications! It involves priorities! It requires focus! It is not an accessory!
New believers will not understand this at first. That's okay. As they mature, they will gradually-but-fully come to a greater realization of this truth! The Holy Spirit will be their teacher! The Word of God will instruct them! A trusted mentor, coach, discipler, friend, teacher might support and encourage them on this journey! The fellowship of a healthy church will model these priorities for them!
O Lord, our God,
Help us not to be a stumbling block to those who are fresh and new in their walk with You! Instead, enable us to be a trustworthy and dedicated guide. To show them the footsteps we have found and are observing. To encourage them and give them hope! To stick with them and be available to them! To pursue them if they falter! To pray for them daily! To model a vibrant faith relationship with You for them to see and grow from! Do all this through the power of Your Holy Spirit! Amen.
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