“Now someone came up to him and said, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to gain eternal life?” He said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he asked. Jesus replied, “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he was very rich. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven! Again I say, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God.” The disciples were greatly astonished when they heard this and said, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him, “Look, we have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth: In the age when all things are renewed, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And whoever has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
— Matthew 19:16-30
This is a great passage to use as illustration of similarities/differences between gospels. Here Jesus is called teacher, and the man asks about “good things.” I think in Mark the man calls Jesus “good Teacher,” and Jesus questions the title “good.” The message is still the same, but it’s a key point about how gospel writing works. Paraphrasing is definitely acceptable, and gospel writers are making a point (conveying their personal perspective and message to their audience) through the gospel.
We see this in Matthew here. Even from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus ends with “be perfect.” And Jesus challenge the young man to sell everything to therefore show his “perfection.” Is that the standard? Moral perfection/sinlessness? Well, that’s systematic theology for another day. But from the Sermon, we learned that Jesus is not emphasizing moral perfection. He’s talking about keeping the law at its highest intent. At the heart of each command is a deep love for God and others, even those who are persecuting you for religious beliefs. If we can forgive them, serve them, pray for them, we have embodied God’s law (which may be how Jesus “fulfilled” it). So this is perhaps what Jesus means for the young man to be “perfect.” Sure, he hasn’t disobeyed commands (well, at least in his mind. But has he embodied the full intent of the law to the point of loving those around him? Can he give his possessions away? Can he not love two masters? Can he seek God’s kingdom?
This would be nearly impossible for him.
And though Luke is the one who emphasizes the great reversal, we see it all throughout the NT. Those who are self sufficient, whether religiously, politically, socio-economically, or in any other measure of identity, they rarely turn to Jesus. There’s no need. Those who think they should naturally belong or that God would benefit from having them on His team, they can’t follow Jesus. That requires submission. That requires expressing dependence. But the outcast, the poor, the sick—they flock to Jesus because being dependent is all they’ve ever known.
Disciples don’t understand—surprise, surprise. Who can be saved? Good question, since most humans are self-sufficient. But they mean, “Wow, Jesus, he would be a great candidate for disciple. If he’s not coming along, then what hope do we have.” God changes people. God has to move in salvation. Otherwise, things are impossible, and that’s not really trickling into the free will debate. I hate that debate. I’m just quoting Jesus in this context. With humans, this would be impossible. God has to move.
I’m not sure if Peter is being brash or confused. He asks about their reward. Jesus confirms they would rule with Him in the coming kingdom. Not the time for an eschatology lesson, but it is fun to think about who will reign and how that will happen. I agree with others who think the eternal kingdom will be established on earth as heaven and earth intertwine. Jesus reigns finally and fully, and other passages confirm all believers assist in that rule. How? Not sure. What power? Not sure. But I envision life pretty much as we know it now but with perfect authority and perfect justice.
The point of the whole passage is the final verse. First become last and last become first. This is the great reversal. The self-sufficient rich don’t gain the kingdom (so the humble rich could potentially), and the self-sacrificing followers of Jesus gain the kingdom.
But on our own, everyone fails. Only with God is any of this possible.
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