- “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Clearly, everything that was said led to this point. Notice that Jesus gave two instructions (sell and give to the poor, and follow him) but told him he only lacked one thing—he is one step away from eternal life. All of us would know that following Jesus is the key, so why did he need to sell and give to the poor? And is that one step or two steps?
I think it is to focus on the question as to who he really thinks Jesus was because when he discovers this truth then all his doubts would be resolved. One step—to follow Jesus as God.
- When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” It would seem that Jesus wanted to emphasise that it is not so easy. The Gospel is often preached as something that is easy, simple and free, yet Jesus emphasised that it is actually very difficult. What do you think; is it easy or hard?
Hard. haha … I’m in no position to contradict Jesus.
- How can Jesus’ interaction with this man clarify your own understanding of what it entails to have eternal life?
It is hard because we live our entire lives trusting only ourselves. To entrust ourselves to another goes against the grain of our nature and being. Yet this is what it means to be saved.