Contents
Introduction
The question on eternal life is an existential and perennial question. Even the so-called atheists and agnostics cannot avoid wondering the ‘how’ of life after this earthly sojourn. It is in this context that we have to understand the question of the Jewish ruler who interrogated Jesus on the criterion for gaining eternal life. The context of this conversation is the kingdom of God and the requirements for entering it. Judging from the discussions and the intervention of the ruler, it appears the ruler was present during Jesus’ teachings concerning the kingdom of God. Like the Pharisees (cf. Matt 17:20a), he equally poses his own question in order to clarify his doubts about the issue at hand. But unlike the Pharisees, he is not interested in knowing the “when” of God’s kingdom. On the contrary, he is more interested in finding out from Jesus what he as an individual must do (besides keeping the commandments) so that he could be admitted into the kingdom of God. Jesus’ words in Mark 10:13–16 must have aroused serious doubt in this young ruler. Wealth and eternal life are important themes for every individual, rich and poor alike.
You still lack one thing
“Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth. Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, you lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (Mark 10:20–21). Following Jesus’ answer, the man wanted to justify himself and reminded Jesus that he has been keeping those commandments.…..
Conclusion
What will I do to have eternal life? What will I do to make heaven? The quest and the question about the kingdom of God and how to make it. It is a perennial question. Even non-believers (if there are) wonder what this kingdom of God is all about. Just as the young man approached Jesus with the question after hearing his teachings about the kingdom of God and on the conditions for entering it, many Christians should also ask the same question. This is necessary because like the Jews, many Christians think what grants one access to the kingdom of God is meticulous observance of self-established laws.
FOR DETAILS, GET YOUR OWN COPIES OF THE BOOK “THE WORD OF LIFE: SUNDAY REFLECTIONS” (vols. I and II)!! The reflection for the 28th Sunday of the year (B) is found in vol. II pages 454–466. Happy reading!
For details on how to get it, contact the author on this link: https://m.me/uchennabiblia?fbclid=IwAR2yeg4a6sDGBp9QGkIvKj6FSADumMokN6lshdE0zuo-JHs6qOmlhA7jyHo or email me at: postmaster@uchennabiblia.com or simply send an SMS on 08116100926, and I will get back to you.