And (the man) said to him (Jesus) “Teacher I have observed all these things from my youth.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. And he said to him. “Only one thing is wanting to you."
(Teasing out the challenge)
"Go sell what things you have and give them to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven."
In other words Do the reverse of stealing
"And coming, follow me.”
In other words, the person of Jesus (in a faith sense) would be one's prime social group rather than family.
Also, in literally taking up the challenge there would not be the focus or the resources
to set up one's own household and family,
therefore this is:
the reverse of committing adultery (and undermining the family of another)
Also, there would be a focus on the needs of others rather than one's own
self-determination and career.
Therefore
this is the reverse of competing with others or posing a threat to their
self-determination (and safety).
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But he (the man) was sad at this word and went away grieving for he had many possessions. And looking around Jesus said to his disciples. “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God.” And the disciples were amazed at his words. And Jesus again said to them. "Children how hard it is to enter into the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." But they were extremely astonished by this and were saying to themselves. “Who can be saved?” Looking at them Jesus says. “With men it is impossible but not with God. All things are possible with God.” Peter began to say to him. “Behold. We have left all things and have followed you.” Jesus said. “Truly I tell you there is nobody who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred fold now. The hundred fold is in houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, although with persecutions. In the age coming such a one will receive life eternal. Many who will be first will finish up last and those who are last will be first.”
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Notes on Jesus' conversation with his disciples.
They point out they have left all things and have followed him.
Jesus calls them "children".
A tradition based on this challenge has been for monks and nuns to aim for "adult childhood" through
the public vows of:
poverty
chastity
obedience
However, in the context it appears that all the followers of Jesus are challenged to "raise the bar"
on these three social commandments rather than:
a. getting bogged down in the bare minimums of multiple rules or
b. failing to keep the moral essentials.
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