Rich Young Man

So, we've all heard of the story of the rich man.
A rich young man approaches Jesus asking how he can be saved.
Follow the commandments.
Check.
Ok, give all you have to the poor and follow me.
His face fell, walking away sad.

Many sermons have been preached on different aspects of this story, illuminating various lessons. However, I read this story with new eyes. Two small, but significant, details arose from the text.

After telling Jesus he has kept the commands, it reads:

"Jesus looked at him and loved him."

Seriously, Jesus is amazing. He knew this man did not acknowledge him as Lord, instead calling him teacher. Jesus knew how he would respond after telling him the next step. And despite that, Jesus looked at him and loved him. He loved him, not because of what he did, but because Jesus loves us regardless.

And he loves me regardless. How I long to be seen by Jesus. Isn't it an innate desire in humans to be fully known and loved anyways?

Jesus goes on, "One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

I cannot get over the extraordinary inviation Jesus has given this man. Jesus offers this man treasure in heaven. And from what I know of Jesus, he keeps his promises. Then, he invites him to follow him. People in groups of hundreds are desperate to get to this man, Jesus, and, here, he invites him to follow him. This isn't a sit-down-let's-enjoy-coffee-for-an-afternoon inviation. Instead, it one of closeness and intimacy. The weight of this privilege is unbelievable.

"At this the man's face fell."

What!?

"He went away sad because he had great wealth."

Seriously!?

This man does not know what he is missing.

Yet, before I judge, I can't help but think how Jesus has invited me to the same pursuit. How many times have I turned down the gift of treasures in heaven and intimate closeness with Jesus for my small, meaningless, yet sickly-adored gods? How many times have I turned away?

Countless.

Grace. I need it.

Good news. Jesus doesn't offer once and leave. He doesn't look at our rejection and reject us.

Rather, he looks at me, and loves me. Again.