Green Gaia
Veteran Member
I have a question for Christians that has always puzzled me. In the following story it clearly seems to me that Jesus is denouncing worldly possessions, or at least overt wealth. Why does it not seem that Christians follow this example more than they do? Or am I interpreting the passage wrong? Is wealth good or bad? Should we give up our luxuries and give to the poor?
The Rich Young Man
Matthew:16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?
17Why do you ask me about what is good? Jesus replied. There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.
18Which ones? the man inquired.
Jesus replied, Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19honor your father and mother,' and love your neighbor as yourself.
20All these I have kept, the young man said. What do I still lack?
21Jesus answered, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23Then Jesus said to his disciples, I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, Who then can be saved?
26Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
27Peter answered him, We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?
28Jesus said to them, I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, 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. 29And everyone who 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. 30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
The Rich Young Man
Matthew:16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?
17Why do you ask me about what is good? Jesus replied. There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.
18Which ones? the man inquired.
Jesus replied, Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19honor your father and mother,' and love your neighbor as yourself.
20All these I have kept, the young man said. What do I still lack?
21Jesus answered, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23Then Jesus said to his disciples, I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, Who then can be saved?
26Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
27Peter answered him, We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?
28Jesus said to them, I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, 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. 29And everyone who 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. 30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.