The rich young man, along with most of his fellow Jews, saw obedience to the law as a way of qualifying for God’s favour. Ironically, his self-dependence actually robbed him of the ability to embrace the life of blessing that Jesus wanted to give him. This is why Jesus exhorted him to give up his wealth: because it was filling the God-space in his life. The disciples were disturbed by Jesus’ response to the young man, but, on second thoughts, they figured that, if giving up everything was the criteria, they must be perfect qualifiers for the Kingdom. Jesus honours their devotion, but he corrects their point of view. The relinquishment of wealth was not a criteria for entering the Kingdom. If it was then Jesus would have spent all his time with the devout Jewish followers down at Qumran (the Essenes). These people gave up everything and lived lives of strict discipline to qualify for the Messianic age. And yet there is no mention of them at all in the Gospels! Jesus gives himself to those who recognise their need for him, and those who need a saviour most are those who know they don’t qualify. The parable of the workers in the vineyard illustrates Jesus’ desire to show favour to those who don’t deserve it. God is not looking for people to qualify for his favour. He wants to give gifts not wages (which is just as well because the only thing we ever earned was judgement). Receive from God like a child, in dependence and humility, and you will find the generosity of the Father.
Receive God’s love and favour.
Read Matthew 19:13-20:16
