Mark 10:17-31
I like to approach the words of Jesus from two perspectives. First of all I think it is important to try to get a picture of the context. What was happening at the time for Jesus when he told the story or spoke the words, in particular what was the lead up to the events of the text? I like to allow some time for these words to "rattle around", then sit and reflect and try to work out how God is speaking to me through this reading today. For the purposes of these reflections I will also add a third dimension: What does this mean right now for us in our Lutheran School setting?
This is surely a problematic text for us. The verse that sticks out for me is verse 21. How would we cope with the directive to sell everything and give it to the poor? Does He really want you and I to sell everything? Is He saying this to every 21st Century affluent Christian in our Lutheran Schools?
Our immediate reaction to this is probably to search for a minimizing dilution of what Jesus is saying. For example ... He must have just been speaking metaphorically. He did not mean all of us - just those who own luxury yachts and have massive property and investment assets.
Whatever the interpretation, it seems to me that one thing is for sure: This is a major wake up call for us, that a focus on material things is an alarm bell ringing, reminding us of what is really important in life. Jesus is teaching the people both then and now, that what is important is a total belief in him for our salvation. (We note that God has actually done all the work for us ... it is not the good act of selling up all of our possessions that will earn us favour anyway ... we are saved by God's Grace if only we accept that gracious offer.)
In our schools today, how can we educate our young people to look beyond all that glistens to see the life-saving power of the cross? Just maybe it starts with some better modelling of what is really important in life by those people who are trusted to work with these young people 5 days a week for 40 weeks a year .... the people who other than parents, have probably the most profound and long-lasting impact on their development.
Do we walk away sad after hearing this story?
I invite readers to add their thoughts about this passage. I especially encourage you to let us know what sticks out for you. What verse speaks to you? What message does this give us for our Spiritual Leadership in Lutheran Schools?
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