17And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
_____________________________________________
Jesus was leaving town when a young man ran after him and knelt. Kneeling shows respect for a Rabbi. The young man asked a sincere question of a spiritual nature. The question asked about works that he could do.
v. 18 Jesus' challenge to the young man: When you call me good, you identify me with God--do you realize that?
v. 19 Jesus holds the Law out as a standard that cannot be kept, to allow the young to realize it.
v.20 The young man claims he has kept all the Law--in his opinion.
v. 21-22 Jesus was taken with the young man, his spiritual mindedness, his seeking. Jesus didn't correct him or scold him.
This did however prove the young man coveteous.
v. 23-24 Disciples equated riches with righteousness- they had grown up accustomed to Pharisees, their religious leaders.
v. 25 This statement was hyperbole-deliberately exaggerated to make a point: wealthy trust power of money, self-importance
BGPeek 7/4/10
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment