The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything

by Brian D. McLaren

In a story told by Luke, Jesus has a conversation with a man identified as rich, young, and some sort of political official (Luke 18:18–25). He asks Jesus how he can experience “eternal life”— again, not to be confused with “life after you die.” He is rich, young, and powerful, yet his life is empty; he’s searching for more. Jesus spars with him for a few minutes, questioning the way he has phrased the question. Then Jesus answers his question with a question: “What do you think?” The young ruler gives his answer, and Jesus says, “Good answer. Do that. That will work.” The man is confused, because, he says, he’s been doing this all his life. Then Jesus gives him a shocking reply: “Liquidate all your wealth, and give it all to the poor. Then come and be my disciple.” The man goes away sad, and Jesus is sad as well: you get the feeling he saw real potential in this fellow and liked him a great deal.