17 He was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, 'Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?'
18 Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.
19 You know the commandments: You shall not kill; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false witness; You shall not defraud; Honour your father and mother.'
20 And he said to him, 'Master, I have kept all these since my earliest days.'
21 Jesus looked steadily at him and he was filled with love for him, and he said, 'You need to do one thing more. Go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.'
22 But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.
23 Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!'
24 The disciples were astounded by these words, but Jesus insisted, 'My children,' he said to them, 'how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to enter the kingdom of God.'
26 They were more astonished than ever, saying to one another, 'In that case, who can be saved?'
27 Jesus gazed at them and said, 'By human resources it is impossible, but not for God: because for God everything is possible.'
28 Peter took this up. 'Look,' he said to him, 'we have left everything and followed you.'
29 Jesus said, 'In truth I tell you, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel
30 who will not receive a hundred times as much, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land -- and persecutions too - now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life.
(end of the Gospel Reading)
THE SERMON
Today, we need to reflect on the profound encounter between Jesus and a wealthy man, a story that challenges our understanding on wealth, discipleship, and the kingdom of God.
As we open the passage, we see a man who approaches Jesus with urgency and reverence. He kneels before Him, asking, “Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This question resonates deeply within each of us. We all yearn for meaning, purpose, and a connection to the eternal. Yet, the response of Jesus takes an unexpected turn.
Jesus first addresses the notion of goodness: “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.” Here, Jesus reminds us that true goodness is found in God alone. It’s a call to humility, a reminder that we must not elevate ourselves or our accomplishments above our Creator.
When Jesus lists the commandments, the man confidently claims to have kept them since his youth. But Jesus sees beyond the surface. He looks at him with love and says, “You need to do one thing more.” This is the heart of the message: following Jesus demands more than mere adherence to rules; it requires a radical transformation of the heart.
The challenge is stark: “Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor.” This is not just a call to charity; it’s a challenge to release his grip on material wealth and status. For many of us, this is a difficult pill to swallow. We live in a society that often equates success with accumulation. Yet, Jesus reveals that true treasure is not found in our possessions but in our relationships and our obedience to God.
The man’s response is heartbreaking. He leaves Jesus sad, unable to let go of his wealth. This moment reveals a profound truth about human nature: we often cling to our earthly possessions, fearing what it might cost us to follow Christ fully.
Jesus then turns to His disciples, emphasizing the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. The metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle underscores the challenge: it’s impossible by human standards. Yet, Jesus offers hope, proclaiming, “For God, everything is possible.” This is the crux of the gospel: our salvation does not depend on our merit or wealth but on the grace of God.
Peter, perhaps feeling a sense of defensiveness, reminds Jesus of their sacrifices: “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus acknowledges their commitment but reassures them that their sacrifices are not in vain. He promises that anyone who leaves their home, family, or possessions for His sake will receive a hundredfold in return. However, He also cautions that the path of discipleship includes persecution and trials.
In this promise, we see the abundant life that God offer, not merely in material terms but in spiritual richness, community, and eternal life. Following Christ may require sacrifices, but those sacrifices are met with unimaginable blessings.
As we reflect on this passage, let us consider our own attachments. What might God be asking us to release? Are there areas in our lives where we need to trust Him more fully? In a world that values wealth and status, we are called to seek the kingdom of God above all else.
May we be encouraged to pursue a life of discipleship that prioritizes love, generosity, and faithfulness. Let us remember that, though the journey may be difficult, with God, all things are possible.