The Rich Young Ruler's Dilemma

“Jesus 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.’” - Matthew 19:21

The rich young man approached Jesus with genuine spiritual hunger, but he walked away sad because he couldn’t imagine life without his wealth. His story reveals how economic privilege can become a barrier to following Jesus, not because money itself is evil, but because it can blind us to the needs of others and make us resistant to systemic change.

Today’s rich young rulers might be those who benefit from current economic arrangements and resist reforms that would help others. They may oppose student debt forgiveness because they paid their loans, or resist universal healthcare because they have good insurance. Their economic position makes it difficult to see the suffering their privilege helps maintain.

Jesus’ challenge remains relevant: are we willing to use our resources and influence to benefit others, even if it means less for ourselves? This might mean supporting policies that increase our taxes to fund public goods, or advocating for wage increases that might affect corporate profits.

Following Jesus sometimes requires economic sacrifice for the sake of justice and the common good.

Prayer:

Lord, help me hold my possessions loosely. Give me courage to support policies and practices that help others, even when they cost me personally. Amen.