THE GOSPEL OF LUKE: - Vital Christianity

188By giving up his money and all that money had provided for him, he thought the price toohigh. After all, if he gave up his wealth, he would also be giving up status and influence thatwealth naturally brings. Wealthy people are treated differently. They get ahead of the line andget to choose the best seats—the seats of prominence. They don’t have to get their hands dirtysince they have servants to do all the manual labor. They have access to the levers of power andinfluence.By rejecting Jesus’ offer, this very wealthy young ruler showed that his possessionspossessed him.This doesn't mean everyone should sell what they have. If this were so, few would haveany money. But it does mean that our lives are to be surrendered to Jesus who said earlier in thisbook:"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife andchildren, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be mydisciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot beMy disciple" (Lk 14:26-27)."In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot beMy disciple" (14:33)."The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, hehid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When hefound one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."(Mt 13:44-46)"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Mewill save it" (Lk 9:24)."Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life willpreserve it" (17:33).JESUS’ DEMAND TO FOLLOW HIM (18:22)The story of the rich young ruler does not end with the demand to dispose of his greatwealth. He was also asked to follow Jesus as well: