Jesus answers a rich ruler
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to His Word and Spirit.
Read Luke 18:18-27
18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’[a]”
21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Reflect
Wherever Jesus went, there were crowds of people eager for his teaching – which had taken the form of parables. His teaching on the Kingdom had just included the example of a child, considered among the least in society. Jesus declared that anyone who did not receive the Kingdom of God like a child would never enter it. Jesus then encountered a very wealthy young man who had an important position in society and had tried to keep the law all his life. He wanted to know what he must do to inherit eternal life. After Jesus explained to him what is lacking, he invited the man to come and follow him, which would have meant a vastly different life. The man went away very sad.
Closing prayer
Merciful Father, help those who struggle to give up those things that hinder them from receiving your saving grace. Help us to let go of everything that keeps us from holding onto you. Amen.