Using our tools for
relational Bible study (Read, Reflect, Connect and Act), I have been walking
around in this story and making some new connections with the main character and
the word give.
From "What Good Must I Do?" to "Give All"
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to model how a relational study is done and provide questions relating text to the FAW theme for individual or group use. |
Using our tools for
relational Bible study (Read, Reflect, Connect and Act), I have been walking
around in this story and making some new connections with the main character and
the word give.
Read
Reading the story in all three of the synoptic Gospels (Mt. 19: 17-27; Mark 10: 17-27; Luke 18:18-30) provides some subtle clues. Read each one carefully preferably in a translation different from a familiar one. I used The New English Bible Study Edition. I have always called this story The Rich Young Ruler. But he is called a stranger in Mark, a man in Matthew and in Luke he is called a man of the ruling class none of them call him young, at least, in this translation The question to Jesus is different. Matthew has him asking "What good must I do?" The stranger in Mark asks, ''What must I do to inherit Eternal life"? A very different and, I think, self centered question. We can already see the importance of reading and exploring the text before we get into the story for ourselves.
Reflect
Think about the 10 best ways to live (otherwise known as the 10 commandments) in Exodus 20:1-21. Which ones are used in this story? What is added or omitted? If the first four commandments are about our relationship with God and the last six are about our relationship with others, what do you think Jesus is concerned about? Reflect on the man's attitude to Jesus in Mark and the reaction of Jesus.
Connect
I tried to imagine seeing Jesus on the road with an opportunity to speak to him myself! What would I say? I began to feel some empathy with the man and his blurted out question. I became more and more uncomfortable trying to frame my own question. Looking good and doing the RIGHT thing are certainly part of my motivation and this seems to be what our friend is interested in also. But the crux of the action comes when Jesus tells him to Give! ALL THAT HE HAS!
My body language gave me a sign. I felt my hand close into tight fists. Now I can examine the way that I give. Selectively? Where I will be noticed? What motivates me to give at all? Am I ready to live in relationship with others with open hands?
Action
I realized that each week I go to the altar with my hands open to receive God's love poured out. This is the only way I have anything really to give. God directs my giving. It is a response. "With God nothing is impossible", our story reminds us.
The new Archbishop of Canterbury says, "It is only, when we learn to give, not from a sense of debt but from an overflowing of joy, that we can have some share in the action of his redeeming and recreating love. The "useless" gifts of art and beauty, of ritual and music are there to liberate our joy. And when our joy is liberated. so will our generosity and compassion be... Why is it that a marathon rock concert could raise more money for the starving than any amount of moral exhortation from pulpit or press? It is because (whether you like marathon rock concerts or not) there is an overflowing of joy, and out of that overflowing of joy is an overflowing of compassion and generosity."
Is this why Jesus told the funny joke about the rich man and the camel? There was little joy in the story until then. Open you hands to God's love of you. Find the joy! Simply Give! Don't go away sorrowful.
Nancy Boyle is a workshop leader, teacher and Christian Education Consultant living in Columbia SC.