In Matthew’s Gospel, we are invited into the heart of true freedom—the Good News that offers us the experience of eternal life, not just as something to look forward to after death, but as something we can live today.
However, to fully understand this, we need to recognize a few important things. For the Jewish people of Jesus’ time, the belief was that following the commandments and the law was sufficient to secure eternal life. Wealth and riches were seen as signs of God’s blessing for living righteously, while poverty and suffering were considered the results of sin and turning away from God.
Against this backdrop, a rich young man approaches Jesus with a question: “Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” But before answering, Jesus challenges him, asking, “Why do you call me good? Only God is good.” In this moment, Jesus seems to be probing the young man’s understanding. Why do you call me good? “Do you recognize me as God, and is that why you’re asking this? Or are you simply being polite?”
Then, Jesus refers to the commandments, but interestingly, He starts from the fifth commandment and skips the first few. The young man, eager and confident, replies, “I have kept all these from my youth.” And it’s likely true. His wealth gave him the privilege of not needing to steal to survive, lie to protect his wealth, or harm others. He believed his righteousness came through his own efforts and successes.
But then Jesus gives him a command that completely shocks him: “Go, sell all that you have, give it to the poor, and then come, follow me.” This wasn’t the answer the young man expected. Struggling to part with his possessions, he walks away, sad and reluctant.
Jesus then turns to His disciples, explaining how difficult it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples are stunned, even scandalized, by this teaching. Remember, for the Jewish people, wealth was traditionally seen as a sign of God’s blessing. They begin asking each other, “If that’s the case, who can be saved?” Jesus answers them, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Peter, understandably, asks, “What about us? We’ve left everything to follow you.” Jesus reassures them, promising that they will be rewarded both now and in eternal life.
At its core, this Gospel calls us to embrace true freedom. God doesn’t require anything from us—He has already given us everything. What He wants is for us to realize that we are His children, and all we have received is a free gift. True freedom comes when we understand this and use our blessings to serve others. The greatest gift God has given us is Jesus Christ, who has freed us from sin and invites us to follow Him and experience eternal life now.
Ultimately, the Gospel teaches us that freedom is not about accumulating or clinging to what we have; it’s about letting go, trusting God, and following Him with an open heart.
Deacon Gerry.
