First we see that the Rich Young Ruler as a 'good man' because he keeps the commandments. He thinks his goodness will get him to heaven. Then we see Christ challenge the Rich Young Ruler with something difficult for him: giving up everything he owns. As readers, we stop here and think that we must give everything up and follow Jesus. This is not a bad theology. However, readers often times stress the giving up of possessions more than following Jesus. If Jesus came to bring another law or mandate...we would try to meet a standard then have our hearts changed. Jesus didn't come to bring a new law:give up all your possessions. He came to bring wholeness of life: Follow me. Often times, Christ would ask of much from his followers. In Luke 14:26, Jesus makes a claim to give up all family to follow him or one can not be his disciple. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says that you must pick up your cross and follow him. You must suffer. The cost of following Jesus is great. It is so great that a 'good person,' like the Rich Young Ruler who follows the law, does not do enough to receive salvation. To receive it one must humble himself, loosing pride, before Jesus and obey his beckoning to be followed. Over the Gospels, the ways to follow Jesus changes but not the act of following him. The disciples thought that if a self-proclaimed 'good man' can't enter the kingdom of heaven than who can? Good Question! Philippians 2:12 says to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. If everyone were to sell all their possessions and follow Jesus than some would have no problem because they don't have anything. What kind of challenge is that? However, they might be harboring a deep bitterness of their injust social setting. For that man, I imagine that Christ might call them to show compassion to the 'rich.' Christ showed compassion to the rich...he had a rich tax collector as a disciple. That is why I love that Christ responded to the disciple's question by saying that salvation is only possible from God and not man's self-righteous claim, rich or poor. The righteous servanthood and love of Christ makes all man the same! Salvation is here. Salvation is now.

Matthew 19:21