Who then can be saved? That’s the question at the very heart of this encounter between Jesus and the rich man. Falling on his knees before Jesus, obviously recognising something of Jesus’ authority, the man expresses his desire to inherit eternal life. Despite his wealth, the man knows that his resources cannot buy him eternity, therefore he asks Jesus what he must do. Calling Jesus ‘good’, the man poses the question no doubt hoping for a simple assurance. But Jesus wants to show the man that just as his wealth won’t save him, nor can the hope of fulfilling the commandments. Why? Because no one is good except God alone. The man is confident that he has kept all of the commands, but in one simple challenge, Jesus exposes that the man’s true treasure is not God but wealth. The man simply wasn’t willing to part with his wealth because it had evidently, and tragically, become his god - valued about everything else.

Why is the Kingdom such a challenge for the rich? Does this mean that anyone who is rich cannot be saved? No. But it does mean that we all must hold lightly the resources which God has entrusted to us. The moment we value wealth too much is the moment that money has become the ultimate treasure of our heart. Who then can be saved? Well, it’s clear that it’s not by our wealth nor by our efforts, but only by God alone. That whilst it is impossible for us to save ourselves, it is possible by God because he has sent his Son. What is required of us is to cling to Jesus above everything else. AL

Questions

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you so much that whilst saving ourselves is an impossibility, that salvation is indeed possible through you! Please help us to treasure you above everything else, that we might cling not to our achievements or our resources, but to Jesus alone. Amen.