What does Luke 18:23 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:23 speaks about the rich young ruler who approached Jesus to ask about what he must do to inherit eternal life.

Jesus tells him to follow the commandments, to which the young ruler responds that he has kept all of them since his youth.

Jesus then challenges him further by telling him to sell all that he owns, distribute it to the poor, and follow Him.

The verse in question describes the rich young ruler's reaction to this command. He becomes very sorrowful because he was very wealthy. The literal interpretation of the verse is straightforward: the man is saddened by the idea of giving up his possessions.

However, at a deeper level, the verse touches on themes of attachment, sacrifice, prioritary of spiritual wealth over material possessions, and the difficulty of entering the Kingdom of God for those reliant on their earthly wealth.

Historical Context

During the time when the Gospel of Luke was written, wealth was commonly seen as a sign of God's favor and blessing.

There was a general belief among the Jewish people that wealth signified righteousness and that the wealthy had a better chance of being in right standing with God.

The instruction by Jesus to sell all belongings challenged the prevailing cultural and religious perceptions of wealth and piety.

By asking the rich young ruler to part with his wealth, Jesus was testing the young man's devotion and willingness to truly follow God without reliance on material security.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, the verse highlights the danger of allowing wealth to become an idol. To a traditional Jewish audience, this teaching could seem counterintuitive, as wealth was often associated with God’s blessing.

In contrast, Jesus’ teaching turns this notion on its head, indicating that spiritual wealth is of far greater value.

The verse also confronts the human tendency to find security in material possessions rather than in God. Within a broader theological debate, this verse has been interpreted as a call to radical discipleship, one that may demand significant sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can prompt personal reflection about what individuals value most, inspiring believers to consider if there are possessions or desires that they place before their faith or service to others.

It challenges people to assess how their wealth or attachment to material goods may be hindering their relationship with God or their ability to serve the poor and dispossessed.

In a modern context, it encourages a lifestyle of generosity and the importance of not letting wealth define identity or self-worth.

Cross-References

• Matthew 19:22: "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions."
• Mark 10:21-22: "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions."

• 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words are:

• "very sorrowful" (περίλυπος, perilypos): expressing a profound level of sadness, almost a sense of grieving.
• "rich" (πλούσιος, plousios): affluent, wealthy, possessing material wealth.

The emphasis on the man's sorrow and his wealth highlights the deep inner conflict he experiences between his material attachments and the spiritual demands of Jesus' call to discipleship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, wealth was seen as a sign of divine favor. This can be seen in other religious expressions of the time. For example, in Greco-Roman society, the wealthy often sponsored public works and religious ceremonies to showcase piety and curry favor with the gods.

The Hebrew Scriptures themselves sometimes linked prosperity with God's blessings (e.g., the story of Job's restoration). Jesus' teaching offered a strong contrast to these prevailing views, placing it within a unique cultural and religious context.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse may not directly intersect with scientific understandings in the same way that verses relating to the natural world might, but psychological studies on materialism and happiness could provide some relevant insights.

For instance, research in positive psychology has suggested that beyond a certain point necessary for comfort and security, an increase in wealth does not correlate with an increase in happiness and well-being.

In this sense, the verse could be seen as an early acknowledgment of the limitations of material wealth in providing true fulfillment or spiritual satisfaction.

Commentaries

Various bible commentaries offer different perspectives on Luke 18:23.

Some, like the Pulpit Commentary, focus on the man's internal struggle and the perfection that Jesus asks of him, which he finds painful to consider.

Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that the rich young ruler's sorrow was a sign of conviction but not conversion, as he was torn between Christ and his riches but ultimately chose his worldly wealth.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses the theme of discipleship's cost, emphasizing that true discipleship may lead to challenging decisions that prioritize spiritual over material wealth.

These experts provide insights into the complex emotions and decisions highlighted by this verse, drawing out lessons in discipleship, faith, and the proper place of wealth in a believer's life.