Word Games

The "bearing wall." 

Scripture:

Luke 18:18   A certain ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁹ Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. ²⁰ You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.’” ²¹ He replied, “I have kept all these since my youth.” ²² When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” ²³ But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. ²⁴ Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Observation:

While Jesus was mentoring his disciples, there were those who came, wanting to join him, but practicing a false piety. This man had status in society, as well as the accompanying wealth. His address of Jesus set the stage for the way in which he wanted to receive a response. He called Jesus “Good Teacher.” He wanted Jesus to respond in kind, affirming this man’s goodness and therefore his value to Jesus as a follower, but Jesus would not be fooled. Imagine the surprise when Jesus responded, “Why do you call me good?” He was calling the man out because Jesus saw beyond the words, and knew the motivations of the man’s heart. 

The word games of this man came back to haunt him. The only one who is truly good is God and this insinuation that he, himself was good was only proof that he didn’t understand true discipleship. Jesus began with the usual list of items required of those who served God. Of course, this man was proud in his response, for he had done all of these things. The true question of discipleship came next — for discipleship would cost this man everything. 

Those who were already following Jesus had left everything to follow him. Some had been engaged in lucrative businesses, but they believed what Jesus preached when he said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20) Weighing the kingdom of God against his personal wealth, this man chose his own resources. Word games wouldn’t sway Jesus, but only actions which revealed what was going on in the man’s heart. 

The scene ends with Jesus telling a little story which has a bit of humor in it. The visual of a camel going through the eye of a needle is almost cartoonish, but that’s the point. Hanging onto our own personal wealth creates bloating that makes it difficult to enter the kingdom of God. 

Application:

We’re all probably guilty of fishing for a compliment at one time or another. We use words to affirm someone else in hopes that they will reciprocate. This is exactly what was happening with this ruler. He wanted to use words to manipulate Jesus’ response. Jesus would have none of it for he could see the man’s heart. 

Jesus can see our heart and what motivates us. He is not impressed by our words. The world might be, but Jesus is not! Words that are not backed by behavior lose their meaning. Calling someone “good” doesn’t make them “good.” In this case, only by selling all that he had would make him “good.” 

Followers of Jesus Christ are not supposed to be engaged in word games. Living out our faith so that our words and deeds are in harmony will produce the witness that the world needs. 

Prayer:

Lord, search my heart and may my words and deeds be in harmony with your leading. Amen.