Q & A

Rich Young Ruler: a Q & A

Q. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

A. “One thing you lack … Go … sell everything you have and give it to the poor.”

That’s quite a thing. That “One” thing.

It was everything to him. Everything he worked for.

Everything that mattered to him besides being good.

(It’s always the one thing you don’t expect.)

He had always obeyed the letter of the law.

            Dotted the “i’s”. Crossed the “t’s”.

            Went to temple.         

            Honored his mother and father.

            He didn’t lie, didn’t murder anyone, didn’t commit adultery,

            didn’t steal … didn’t, didn’t didn’t do any of those things

                        forbidden by God.

So why was Jesus picking on him for his wealth? (He was surprised … thus the falling face.)

Probably expected Jesus to pat him on the back, tell him he was doing a good job … exemplary really.

“Of course you’ll inherit eternal life … look at you! Pure, upright, a pillar.” 

But it wasn’t enough. He was asked to sell everything. All of his beautiful sculptures and mosaics, his favorite purple cloak, the wonderful gold jewelry, all his sheep and camels, the pottery done by that famous artist, all the lotions and potions and spices that had been carried through barren desserts for months just to reach him. His stores of food. His weapons. His tapestries. His family. His place in the temple. (Jesus would be travelling.) His pillows and silk coverlets. His beautiful home. His harp.

How long did it take for the list to run before his eyes before it blotted out the face of God?

Anne Selleck

Coyright 2011