Dangerous Questions

One of the differences between affective theology and other theological frameworks is motivation; essentially (to borrow from Simon Sinek) what is your why? Why do we do the things we do? And what do our choices reveal about our hearts, our priorities, and what we really, truly love? Those are dangerous questions, but not quite as dangerous as the one asked by a young man commonly referred to as “the rich young ruler.”

This man, whose story is recorded in all three synoptic Gospels (Matthew 19:16-23; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:23), was recognized for two characteristics. He was young, and he was rich. In this post, I want to look specifically at Matthew’s account, Matthew 19:16-23. In this passage, the rich young ruler asks Jesus, “what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (ESV). Greg Dueker, in his engagement with this passage, suggests that Jesus’ definitive answer cements one fact; the young man was genuine. Another comment Dueker made seems relevant here; we tend to ask for input from safe sources, which is, in my own experience, so very true. Could it be, based on the initial interaction, that this young man felt pretty confident about what he would hear?

The next interaction, however, makes me think the young man was not at all prepared for the answer he actually received. Jesus asked a question that went past performance and behavioral obligations to reveal the heart of the matter and the expose the true focus of the young man’s affections. Jesus said the young man had to choose, between treasure on earth and treasure in heaven.

Jesus’ words from Matthew 6:21 seems especially appropriate here. He said, “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (ESV). This young man’s heart was, apparently, with his earthly possessions; all three Gospel accounts record that he went away sad; the Greek word used could also mean sorrowful or grieved. It seems fair to say our English word sad is not quite adequate to express the emotion that young man experienced as he walked away from Jesus.

Part of me wonders if this young man left not only sad, but also disillusioned and confused? Did he wrestle with the unexpected answer? Did it undermine his security in his religious performance? Or did it challenge him to look more closely at his heart and question whether he wanted to continue laying up temporary treasure or trade it all for treasure that would last?

Part of me wonders, too, how would Jesus respond to me, if I asked Him a dangerous question? And how would I respond; what choice would I make? It is easy to answer hypothetically, when I face no loss or consequence, but at times I wrestle with posting a dissenting view on Facebook or speaking up during a conversation on controversial issues. Where is my heart? Is it really in Heaven? Is that where my treasure is? Or have I gotten distracted and allowed my focus to drift back to earthly acceptance and approval from people? It is funny how simple questions can reveal so much, and how choices that can seem so straightforward can have far-reaching and unintended consequences.