Jesus said to him: if you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. The specific command to the rich young man: sell everything, give to the poor, follow Jesus. The if you would be perfect communicates that this is the step that completes the young man's commandment-keeping. The sell-and-give addresses the specific commandment the young man has failed to love his neighbor as himself — his wealth is the specific obstacle to the love that the commandment requires. The treasure in heaven is the exchange: the earthly wealth surrendered is replaced by the kingdom's imperishable provision.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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