By Scott Bush, D.Min.
Executive Director, Ministry Training Institute, Samford University
SPEAKING TRUTH
Luke 18:18–30
An old “preacher story” says that trappers once used a jar with a small opening and a treat inside to capture monkeys. The idea was that the monkey could fit his hand into the jar but, once he grasped the object inside, his fist would no longer fit through the opening. As long as the monkey held on to his new possession, he was trapped in the jar. His only hope of freedom was letting go.
A quick internet search will tell you that this story is more myth than fact. Monkeys are actually smart enough to let go. But the point of the illustration is well taken.
We’ve all seen (or maybe even been) people who are captivated by the material world and the things it can offer, stubbornly holding on to wealth and comforts when something far more valuable is being offered.
The way to eternal life is through becoming a follower of Jesus. (18–23)
Luke sets his telling of the story near the end of his travel narrative. As Jesus makes His way to Jerusalem to die for sinners, a man approaches Him with an all-important question — “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke describes the man as a ruler — possibly a leader in the local synagogue but certainly a man of influence and reputation.
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus replies, noting that only God is good. In His response, Jesus hints at the answer to the question. The Way was standing right before the man. Following Jesus, who is God (both could be called “good”), would lead to eternal life.
The love of wealth can be an obstacle to receiving God’s grace. (24–27)
“You know the commandments,” Jesus answers the man, giving examples from the Ten Commandments.
The man replies, perhaps with some relief, “I have kept all these from my youth.” Jesus responds, “You still lack one thing.”
He instructs the man to distribute his great wealth among the poor and to follow Him.
Jesus addresses the final commandment against covetousness or the love of acquisition. James cautions that breaking the law at even a single point is breaking the whole law (2:10), and Paul equates covetousness with idolatry, a violation of the first commandment (Col. 3:5).
Jesus is not here requiring that all of His followers completely divest themselves of possessions, but He is giving a serious warning about the power of what
we own to distract and disorient us.
When we have wealth (and even when we don’t but wish we did), we can easily find our hope in it and not pray as we should.
We find our joy in it, so we don’t worship as we should. We even get our self-esteem from it, and we fail to appreciate the unconditional and costly love of God for us.
Those who choose to follow Jesus receive benefits now and for eternity. (28–30)
In a most pitiful turn, Luke tells us that the man was saddened at Jesus’ invitation because of his wealth. Others who heard this teaching were also perplexed.
Here Jesus uses a delightful illustration. The camel passing through a needle’s eye is not some veiled reference to a low gate into the city; it’s a comical image of the impossible.
It’s God who does the impossible. He changes the worldly, greedy heart and gives greater blessings, both in this life and in the age to come.
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