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Explanation for:
Matthew
19
:
16
And behold one came and said to him: Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting?
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Some perceive the young man as cunningly approaching Jesus with a motive to lead Him into temptation; however, I am more inclined to view him as someone overly attached to wealth and a servant of materialism, since Christ revealed him in this light. I do not wish to cast judgment on the young man for his actions; it is unwise to judge matters of which we are not fully aware, especially as reproving judges. Mark indicated a distance from such an interpretation when he described the young man's demeanor: he came and knelt before Jesus, posing a question, and also noted that Jesus looked at him and loved him (Mk. 10:17, 21). This interaction highlights the formidable influence of wealth; although one might exhibit virtues in various areas, riches can undermine these qualities. Thus, Paul aptly termed it the root of all evils, stating that covetousness is the root of all evils (1 Tim. 6:10). The young man demonstrated considerable earnestness in his inquiry to Jesus regarding eternal life. While some sought to ensnare Christ and others approached Him based on personal or communal afflictions, this young man earnestly engaged in a conversation about everlasting life. The soil was rich and conducive to growth, yet a thicket of thorns stifled the seeds planted. Observe his eagerness to heed Christ's guidance. “What shall I do,” he inquired, “that I may inherit eternal life?” This reveals his willingness to comply with the directives of the Master. If he had intended to deceive Jesus, the evangelist would have made that clear, as he did in other instances, such as the account of the lawyer. Furthermore, even if the young man's intentions were hidden from us, Christ would not have allowed such deceit to go unchecked; He would have reproached him overtly or subtly, ensuring that we do not conclude the young man misled Him only to chastise Jesus in return. Additionally, had he approached with malevolent intent, he would not have departed sad after hearing the truth. None of the Pharisees, who were often unyielding despite being corrected by Jesus, exhibited such a response. The young man left in sorrow, indicating that his approach was not entirely insidious, even if not perfectly pure; he sought eternal life yet was greatly hindered by his attachment to material wealth. When Christ told him, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments” (v. 17), he did not hesitate to ask, “Which?” (v. 17). His inquiry was not meant to test Jesus but arose from his belief that there were additional commands beyond the law that could guide him to eternal life. His desire for salvation was fervent! When Jesus enumerated the commandments, the young man affirmed, “All these things have I kept from my youth” (v. 20), and he persisted, “What lack I yet?” (v. 20). This also reflects his intense aspiration for eternal salvation. It is significant that he did not consider himself to have accomplished all necessary for salvation but instead recognized that his previous adherence was still insufficient to attain his desired goal."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The individual inquiring about inheriting eternal life was youthful, affluent, and haughty. According to the accounts of the other Gospel writers, his question was not motivated by a desire to learn but rather by a wish to test."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"A wealthy individual approached the Judge, wishing to win Him over with flattery and fine words. This man was prosperous, having been blessed by the commandments, and he felt assured of his material success since the law had promised such rewards. He sought a confirmation from the Lord regarding his riches and actions. He initiated a conversation about the law, planning to subsequently inquire whether the reward for those who observe the law should not already manifest in this life. By addressing Him as “Good teacher,” he attempted to present himself as generous, having first tried to entice the Lord with his eloquence."},{"author-name":"Basil the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889927158e4af30595484_Basil%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The young man in the Gospel deserves praise for recognizing the true Lord and, overlooking the arrogance of the Pharisees and the self-righteousness of the legalists, acknowledging Him as the one genuine and good Master. It is also commendable that he seemed to be concerned about attaining Eternal Life. Yet, after hearing the redemptive teachings of the true Lord, he failed to internalize them and did not follow His guidance, leaving sorrowfully, burdened by the desire for selfish gain. This indicates that his will was not fully aligned with the ultimate good but rather swayed by what appealed to the majority. Furthermore, this highlights the inconsistency and inner conflict within his character."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"This individual did not come to entice Christ, but to seek guidance, as he yearned for everlasting life."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In the Gospel of Luke, he is referred to as a ruler, indicating his Jewish identity. Contrary to some interpretations, he was not a pampered youth; otherwise, Jesus would not have regarded him with love, as noted in the account of Mark. He exhibited genuine goodness and a fervent longing for eternal life, yet the choking influences of greed tarnished the fruitful ground of his spirit."},{"author-name":"Markos Eugenikos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c894ea2f261030b5a2aa3b_Markos%20Eugenikos.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":15,"exegesis-text":"God is primarily known as 'the One' and secondarily as 'the Good.' These designations hold the greatest significance and encompass the broadest meanings of all that is attributed to Him. He first revealed Himself by this name in the Old Testament before Moses at the mountain (Exodus 3:14); the latter was used by His only begotten Son, who came into the world to impart, as much as we could understand, the knowledge of the Father (Matthew 19:16-17). When we recognize that God is the Son, we are immediately reminded of His divine nature, which is beyond all understanding and, like an infinite ocean, contains all of existence within Himself. As for being called the Good, we perceive Him as an active presence who shares Himself with others, for true goodness can only be recognized in the act of benefiting others. Thus, these two titles must equally embody both God’s essence and His engagement with the world—the former relating to the three persons of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while the latter pertains to His varied powers and actions. Hence, while we regard God as triune in essence, it is equally fitting to refer to Him as Almighty regarding His works. In response to those who question: Why does God create man predisposed to evil and yet punish him for his transgressions?"},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"This young man was not merely affluent; he also held the status of a prince, as the evangelist Luke observed. His approach to Jesus Christ was characterized by sincerity rather than a desire to challenge Him, as a lawyer might (Mt. 22:35). This is evident in the respectful manner in which he approached, kneeling before the Lord (Lk. 18:18). Moreover, the account in the Gospel of Mark reinforces this, revealing that Jesus looked at him and loved him (Mark 10:21). Had the young man approached with insincerity or deceit, the compassionate heart of Christ would not have been moved by love for him. It seems that this young man had heard of the benevolence and mercy of Jesus, as well as His teachings regarding eternal life; thus he sought Him out to learn how to attain eternal life. He recognized Jesus as a good teacher, yet he remained unaware that He was also divine. The response of the Lord Jesus clarified this distinction."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In the hearts of those who humbly devote themselves to God, His presence is felt; however, when this childlike sincerity is absent, the heart becomes closed off to God’s grace, even if individuals perceive themselves as close to the Kingdom of Heaven due to their good actions. Those who are humble see their merits as insignificant: “What is there to boast about, what is there to admire, if I have only fulfilled what I was commanded? Perhaps I have not even accomplished that as I ought; perhaps all my efforts were in vain.” According to the Psalmist, God’s commandments are vast, and it is not for the humble to declare their own fulfillment of them. Such individuals regard themselves as servants. In contrast, those who meticulously account for their good deeds believe these actions represent total compliance with God's commandments and feel they are just a step away from perfection. While they may genuinely seek the Kingdom of Heaven, they often deceive themselves—fulfilling the commandments only on the surface without truly embodying their spirit. This mirrors the experience of the wealthy young man in the Gospel: as recorded by Mark the Evangelist, he ran to Jesus, kneeling in reverence, and asked, “Good Teacher! WHAT MUST I DO to RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE?” This inquiry presents a commendable and thought-provoking question to our Savior: a query about life from the very source of life, concerning salvation from the Savior, and seeking insights from the Teacher regarding the core tenets of His message. This highlights the primary focus of the Gospel: the gift of eternal life. If eternal life were attainable through the laws of Moses alone, there would have been no need for Christ’s suffering on our behalf. The young man, despite his adherence to the Law, sought something more—immortality from another source. Some criticize him for approaching Jesus with treachery or to test Him; however, St. Chrysostom suggests that he was more a lover of wealth than deceitful, as Christ pointed out his attachment to riches. It is unwise to judge intents when we lack knowledge, and Mark’s Gospel counters these suspicions by stating, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” Had the young man approached with the intent to tempt the Lord, the Evangelist would have indicated that, as he does in other narratives, such as that of the lawyer. Moreover, if the young man were insincere, Christ would have exposed that pretense, either openly or subtly. Yet, when confronted with Jesus’ response, he left in sorrow—a reaction not typical of the Pharisees, who grew more obstinate when challenged. This sorrow indicates that he did not come with deceitful motives, even if his intentions were not completely pure; his desire for eternal life was hindered by the stronger pull of greed. The young man displayed considerable enthusiasm in seeking Jesus, unlike some who approached Him to provoke or out of need for healing; he asked about eternal life. The soil of his heart was fertile, yet it was choked by thorns, blocking the growth of what could be planted. His eagerness to adhere to Jesus’ commands was evident in his question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Yet, this fervent seeker of salvation remained unaware of the profound grip of covetousness that threatened to suffocate his other virtues, which is why the apostle Paul termed it the root of all evils. The young man viewed Jesus as merely a teacher among the Jews, whereas the Lord engaged him as one would to another fellow human."},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"“Good Teacher!” a young man asked our Lord Jesus Christ, “what good deed must I perform to attain eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16) In essence, what must I do to be saved? This query carries immense significance—a question that should truly engage every individual during their time on earth. Just as a serene harbor is ever-present in the thoughts of a traveler navigating the vast ocean, we, too, amidst the tumultuous waves of worldly existence, ought to keep eternity firmly in our minds and align our temporal lives with our destinies in eternity. What can we acquire during our earthly journey that remains ours eternally? Our salvation is the sole inalienable possession we can claim. Those who spend their earthly lives amassing wealth will leave it all behind upon crossing into eternity. Likewise, those who seek honor and glory will find them stripped away by the harsh grip of death. However, those who devote their lives to achieving salvation will carry that very salvation into eternity, forever comforted by the triumph they secured in life. Dearest brethren, what steps must we take to achieve salvation? The most profound answer to this pivotal question is revealed in the Gospel. The Lord stated that for those who do not believe in Him, faith in Christ is essential, while for those who do believe, living according to God’s commandments is required. He who does not embrace Christ will face eternal destruction, and he who professes his faith in Christ but neglects His holy commandments will likewise perish. Hence, it is vital to possess a living faith in Christ for salvation. The spiritual sanctuary that holds the invaluable treasure of true faith, from which it is constantly imparted, is the One Holy Orthodox Church. Thus, belonging to the Orthodox Church is indispensable for salvation; those who disregard the Church are to be treated as outcasts (Matthew 18:17), as the Lord has instructed. It is futile for some to trivialize mental sin as insignificant. Just as the spirit transcends the body, so do the virtues performed by the spirit rise above those of the body; conversely, the sins of the spirit are far more severe and damaging than those committed by the body. Bodily sins are clear-cut, while spiritual sins often go unnoticed, sometimes entirely concealed from those caught up in worldly distractions. Such sins are far more destructive, delivering painful blows that leave indelible wounds. Once a bearer of light, the angel who fell became a sorrowful demon, cast out from heaven and condemned to the depths. He led away many angels and countless people who allowed their thinking to become tainted by falsehoods. The Lord has called this fallen angel the father of lies and a murderer of men, as he cannot remain in the truth (see John 8:44). Lies are the source of eternal death; conversely, truth provides the foundation for salvation, as stated by the Lord Himself (see John 8:32). The Church preserves this sacred truth. By belonging to and adhering to her teachings, one can obtain the correct understanding of God, humanity, good, evil, and ultimately salvation. Clearly, lacking a proper understanding of salvation precludes the possibility of attaining it. The path to salvation begins with truth! The foundation of salvation lies in right thought!"},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"Good Teacher,\\" denotes a term of respect typically used by individuals seeking guidance from Jewish Rabbis. When he inquires, \\"What good shall I do?\\", he seeks clarification on the particular virtues he should embody. Although he made efforts to adhere to all the commandments and instructions of the law (Matt. 19:20), the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees had led him to believe that salvation came from his own righteous deeds. However, he found himself in a state of unrest, feeling unfulfilled by merely following the legal observances. He yearned for something greater and turned to Jesus Christ, asking what additional good he should pursue to attain eternal life. This phrase refers to the state of being saved and entering the kingdom of heaven. Eternal life is described as the joy of heaven, in stark contrast to the eternal suffering of hell, which is termed eternal death (Rev. 2:2, Rev. 20:14). One represents true life, intimately connected with the ultimate Source of life—God; the other signifies profound spiritual death, existing in separation from the ultimate Source of life—God."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The dialogue regarding wealth between the rich young ruler and the disciples unfolded during Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, taking place during His pauses along the way. After one such pause, as Jesus was about to resume His travel, a man hurriedly approached Him, knelt before Him, and inquired: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mk. 10:17). This inquiry mirrors that of the lawyer who tested Jesus regarding the law (see Lk. 10:25). However, unlike the lawyer, this young man, who knelt before Jesus, earnestly sought to understand what actions he needed to take to enter the Kingdom of Heaven that the Galilean Teacher proclaimed."}]}
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