"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, 'Teacher what good thing must I do to get eternal life?'" ...Jesus replied, "Obey the commandments." "All these I've kept" the young man said. ...Jesus answered, "Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor." (Matthew 19:16-22)
As with his first century audiences, we are often puzzled by the fact that Jesus did not fit the image of a preacher. He made friends of the fringes of society...despised, prostitutes, derelicts and the chronically ill. Many of the stories we have of his activities, he is with people who made no pretense of being "religious." Once, he explained his habits by saying he was as a physician who spent time with the sick. Again, he said he saw people as "lost sheep."
In the story above, the young ruler was searching for what his wealth and religious background had not provided. He had lived a disciplined and responsible life yet sensed something lacking.
I think this young man represents the majority of religionists in America today. They believe in decency and honesty, even when not affiliated with an organized church. What's more, many are disenchanted with organized religion. With them, the adventure is gone. They see religion simply as rule keeping, which they can do very well out of a church. Many find the church as offering little personal experience and requiring nearly nothing. If asked, "Does the typical organized church represent Jesus?" Most answers would be "No."
What is Jesus saying when he said, "Go, sell, give to poor, follow me?" A new commandment or a hundred commandments would not have changed the meaning of the young man's life. What Jesus wanted (and wants) is the commitment of the whole person. Herein lies the rub. If we want a life rich in meaning and to quiet the restless quest for substance, then, lay aside all other sources of security and put one's trust in God. Do we dare make ourselves completely vulnerable to Jesus' teachings? Following Jesus will mean burning a few bridges behind us.
Charles Jackson
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