43. The Rich Young Ruler (10:17-31)

Our portrait of the kingdom as a place of humble service reaches its culmination with the well-known account of the so-called rich young ruler. His desire to do something to get into the kingdom gives rise to one of the most surprising commands of Jesus, who instructs the young man to liquidate his assets, put them in service of 'the least of these,' come and join Jesus band of disciples, and head for the unknown and perilous prospects awaiting all of them in Jerusalem. The young man is unable to embrace such a radical call, and walks away 'sorrowful.' The story is intended to confront all would-be disciples with precisely the same mandate.