What does Luke 18:22 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:22 is part of a narrative in the Gospel of Luke that describes an encounter between Jesus and a man commonly known as the rich young ruler.

Jesus has just been asked by the man what he must do to inherit eternal life, to which Jesus first responds by reminding him of the commandments.

The man claims to have kept all the commandments since his youth.

Jesus then delivers this challenging statement, telling him that there is still one thing he lacks: he must sell all that he has, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow Jesus.

The verse addresses the themes of detachment from material wealth, generosity towards the less fortunate, and wholehearted commitment to following Christ.

Historical Context

Written by Luke, this gospel dates back to around 60-90 AD and is part of the synoptic gospels.

At that time, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor, and poverty was sometimes viewed as a result of sin or disfavor.

Jesus' command to the rich young ruler would have been radical and counter-cultural, confronting the prevailing societal values regarding wealth and religious righteousness.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse has been interpreted in various ways. Within a Christian context, it can be seen as a call to radical discipleship, emphasizing that one's relationship with possessions can impede spiritual growth and commitment to God.

Some view it as a universal admonition against greed and materialism, while others interpret it more narrowly, as a specific instruction to this individual whose wealth was an obstacle to his spiritual progress.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages believers to examine their own lives, challenging them to consider whether material possessions are taking precedence over their faith and service to others.

It speaks to the importance of generosity and urges individuals to seek ways to support the less fortunate.

It also serves as a prompt to reflect on the level of sacrifice and commitment one is willing to make in following Jesus.

Cross-References

• Matthew 19:21 - Jesus tells another rich man to sell his possessions and give to the poor.
• Mark 10:21 - Mark’s account of the same story.
• Luke 12: 33-34 - Jesus teaches about selling possessions and giving to the poor, for where your treasure is, your heart will be also.
• Luke 14:33 - Jesus says no one can be His disciple unless they give up everything they have.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "sell" is πώλησον (pōlēson), which is an aorist active imperative, indicating a strong command to take action.

The word for "distribute" is διαδός (diados), also an imperative, emphasizing the act of parting with one's goods through distribution.

"Treasure" in Greek is θησαυρός (thēsauros), and it indicates something of great value, often used metaphorically for heavenly or eternal rewards.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, wealth and charity were viewed through various lenses.

For instance, in Zoroastrianism, charity is a way of maintaining cosmic balance.

In many strands of Judaism, giving to the poor (tzedakah) is considered a righteous act required by the law.

The instruction to the rich young ruler can be seen as aligned with these broader religious and cultural acknowledgments of the virtue of charity, but with a more radical element of personal sacrifice.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings, some may consider the psychological effects of wealth and generosity.

Psychological studies have shown that generosity can lead to increased happiness and well-being, implying that Jesus' call for the rich young ruler to sell all he had might have had potential benefits for the ruler's emotional and mental state as well as spiritual growth.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have provided commentary on this verse.

Some, like John Calvin, suggest it demonstrates that salvation cannot be earned through good works or obedience to the law alone, but requires a heart fully devoted to God.

Others, such as David Guzik, note that Jesus is looking for the man’s complete commitment and is exposing the idolatry of wealth in his heart.

Theologian N.T.

Wright emphasizes the story's focus on the use of money and the invitation to a vocation of following Jesus.

Most commentators agree that this encounter illustrates a broader teaching on the perils of wealth and the radical nature of discipleship that Jesus was proposing.