The Young Rich Ruler

 


17 (A)As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and (B)knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may (C)inherit eternal life?” 18 But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘(D)Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept (E)all these things from my youth.”21 Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have (F)treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But he [a]was deeply dismayed by [b]these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.

23 And Jesus, looking around, *said to His disciples, “(G)How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!”24 And the disciples (H)were amazed at His words.


Jesus words : “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God” . 

The essence of the parable is found in Paul's words to his young disciple Timothy : 
7 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

The Parables or Jesus is not against Money or wealth. Although at first glance it would seem the bible is contradictory about its position on Money. On one hand it talks about blessings and abundance, on the other hand it talks about how bad having money is. The gist of what ts saying is when you have money and in a position of wealth and power, dont be arrogant or mistreat people, be good and generous to the less fortunate. 




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