“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing…’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.”
—Mark 10:21-22

I love the word play here. First off, the text makes it clear [unclear transcription] that these words are harsh. But, the text tries to assure us that even if these seemingly hard, impossible, graceless words actually come from a place of love from within Jesus. Also, I love how he calls this young man’s wealth a lack. The things we have can actually be a void to our souls and our humanity. And so, the implication is that by giving things away he receives a fullness. He gains something. A lack is turned into an abundance as his abundance is turned into something that is lacking.

For more on possessions, scarcity, and the economy of God’s abundance, read: A Brief Theology of Stewardship.

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