Conversations: Jesus and … A Rich Young Man
“What must I DO to …?”
Have you ever found yourself asking this question of an “expert” in relation to achieving an improved outcome in a particular area of your life? Maybe: a doctor and your health, a teacher and your child’s progress at school, a financial advisor and your retirement, or a pastor and your relationship with Jesus. During your inquiry, you may have found yourself saying, “Well, I’ve done off all that, there must be something more that I can DO?”
Subsequently, the “expert” offers a challenging option which you are not prepared to DO. So, you become resigned to your status quo and DO nothing further, because it is all too hard or out of reach in your situation.
Read: Matthew 19:16-26
The rich young man, a religious and moral person, makes a commendable approach to Jesus. He addresses Jesus respectfully as “Good Teacher”. The man’s question: “What must I DO to inherit eternal life?”, reveals a yearning for something more than his material wealth and social status.
Jesus first points the young man to the Commandments (Exodus 20), which he claims to have kept since his youth. This self-assuredness can reflect our own sense of moral dignity, where we may believe that following rules and being “good” is sufficient for a fulfilling spiritual life. However, Jesus looks deeper into the young man’s heart and identifies his true obstacle: his attachment to wealth.
Jesus’ instruction, “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then follow me”, is a radical call to total submission and trust in God.
The young man’s reaction in leaving in sadness because he had great wealth, invites personal reflection. What are the things in our lives that we cling to, possibly at the expense of a closer relationship with God? Maybe it’s money, status, comfort, security, or even family relationships that we prioritise above our spiritual growth and well-being.
When the bewildered disciples asked Jesus who can then be saved, Jesus responds, With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God Mark 10:27 NIV. This profound truth reminds us that eternal life is a divine gift, not a human achievement of DOING something. It is a comforting assurance that, while we may struggle with our attachments and imperfections, God’s grace is sufficient with nothing left for me to DO to gain eternal life.
Prayer: Lord, like the rich young man, I approach you with questions and desires for a deeper relationship with you. Help me to understand that it is not through my actions, but through your grace and mercy, that I am saved. Amen.
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