Why don't you sell everything and follow Jesus, as he requests in the Bible?

Answer 1

>Because I'm not a damned fool, unlike many out there...and I mean "Out There"!<

Answer 2

Good question. A Biblical literalist would have to, I imagine, in order to be consistent with their interpretive strategy. It's interesting to me that the parable of the rich young ruler is immediately called to mind by so many, and most are right, it isn't just about riches, but also about being utterly dependent on God. However, later in Luke, Jesus does say that a person cannot be his disciple unless they give up all that they possess. Likewise, the book of Acts attests that the church required all those who wanted to belong to it to sell their possessions and hold all things in common so that the goods could be distributed as people had need.

However, Jesus himself had possessions, so did his disciples (although these possessions weren't many). So as it is with many of Jesus' sayings, it is probably hyperbole. Still, the point is that people should not be dependent on money, they should trust completely in God, and they should share what they have with others, particularly the least among us. What he had in mind wasn't throwing our mere table scraps to the poor (which I admit I am guilty of), but rather, to give lavishly to others while living a meager lifestyle ourselves.

I think the Jesus of the Bible would be disappointed in most Christians today because most of us live in comfort and security while most in the world live in squalor and indigence. It is also interesting that the church as an institution ignores this command of the one they profess to follow. The early church met in homes, not expensive buildings. I wonder what Jesus would think of these giant churches, expensive education wings, basketball courts, large fellowship halls, ornate decorations, etc., that characterize many churches today. It is, plain and simple, greed and institutional ego. Imagine how many poor people could be helped if churches would send the money from what they raised for a building program to those who truly could benefit from the money.

Nice question, sorry for the long post, but there is a lot behind what you've written there.

Answer 3

he told a certain man than he should selll his possesions and follow him.
The man had approached Jesus and asked him what he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus told him to follow the ocmmandments. The man told Jesus he had done this. Jesus said tehre is one thing that your lacking. Sell all of your possesions... and the man went away sad, because he has many possesions.

If we each individually asked Jesus what we PERSONALLY need to do to obtain eternal life..he would have a differant answer for all of us. THings that we need to work on...gluttony, lust, any number fo things.

Jesus does not request that we "sell everything" as you implied. He commands that we make him the center of our lives. IF that means we must sell everyhitng, then so be it. But its not the case with everyone. People are capable of owning things, and simply not putting them first in their lives...

Answer 4

That particular passage specifically addresses a young man who loved his wealth more than God. Jesus told him to sell all and follow Jesus because a person cannot have two masters - both God and Mammon (money). My heart is with Jesus - I could give up everything I own in a heartbeat - it really does not mean all that much to me. In fact, I am in the process of moving. I have sold everything I own except for 7 boxes and 3 suitcases. And those I could give up readily. Stuff is just stuff. The older I get, the more I realize that stuff just holds you back.

Answer 5

Most people don't realize that Jesus was asking that young man to become one of his disciples, or perhaps even an apostle.

If the young man had accepted, he would have had no need for any of the things Jesus told him to sell, or for any of the proceeds of the sale, as God would have provided everything necessary for his new mission.

God doesn't expect every one of us to sell everything and follow him, and even if he did, we could refuse, without ending up in hell.

The main message of this passage is to make sure that our love of wealth and comfort doesn't keep us from answering God's call, when and if it comes.

Answer 6

lol, yes, I've read this story too. I'm afraid there's a piece of the story you're missing. You see, that was Jesus's response to a rich guy bragging about how faithful he was. Jesus was making a point about bragging.

No, He doesn't not honestly want people to sell everything they own. How else would you feed you self or your family?

Answer 7

it wasn't a command by jesus or from god. some people had different callings than others, this is still the case for today. after the person sold all his belongings he became a disciple and followed jesus as he traveled from town to town. we can have posessions but we can realize these posessions are earthly and don't belong to us, all we have is blessings from god and we are called to gain riches in heaven, not here on earth and therefore be charitable. instead of buying for example, a big screen plasma t.v you could buy a cheaper model and give to charity,there are many ways to please the lord.

Answer 8

Some people believe in the Protestant Work Ethic, the idea of which is that God blesses people by providing more wealth to those who are worthy of it (this also gets many people to believe that the United States is the new Israel). Considering how many of the very wealthy view religion or their subordinates, it makes me wonder what God is blessing them for. While this doesn't directly answer your question, it should give you some ideas.

Answer 9

he doesn't request it, the bible writers do. who would i sell my stuff to and what should i do with the money? where is jesus going so that i know how to follow him? actually, how does one follow one who's long gone anyway?

Answer 10

I have, I've sold my bad treatment towards
people, now I treat all with respect and on an
equal term. I have sold my thinking that when a
person has a problem that's their problem not
mine, Now I listen and help where I can. I have
sold many more things and have made a turn-
around in treating humanity the way the bible
teaches.

Answer 11

Jesus does not request that of me, nor you. You are talking about the parable of the rich young ruler. Jesus told him to sell all his possessions to show him he was controlled by riches. It worked.