Parable of the rich man.

This is my first posting of a project that I’ve been working on for a little while now…

It’s a fiction story that relates a modern day prophet (Steve) who is giving a parable to a crowd that has gathered.

(All manner of feedback is helpful! Thanks!)

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Steve looked out over the crowd that had gathered and waited for the silence to become uncomfortable.

"There was a man who was given a chance to go back in time," began Steve.

"He was a devout Born-Again Christian.  He believed with all his heart that Jesus was born of a virgin and had risen from the dead — he also believed that this faith was the key to salvation.  This man wanted more than anything to be in the presence of Jesus and God, in His mercy, granted him his wish.

An angel of heaven came down, embraced him and transported him back to Jesus’ day.
Upon opening his eyes, the man was amazed to find that he was indeed transported to another time and place.
The angel spoke to him, "You will be allowed to approach and ask Jesus a question."
"But I don’t know how to speak Aramaic!"
"Don’t worry, He can speak your tongue."
He saw a gathering of people ahead and approached the man who was addressing all of them.

"Jesus Christ, holy Lord and creator, please tell me, I want to hear it from you directly — what is required of me to go to heaven?"

"Why do you call me Lord? Why do you call me holy? There is none that is holy except God in heaven. I am the messenger of the Lord — when you hear my words, you hear the Lord’s will — but I am merely a son of god; like David before me, a man with a divine mission.

To enter into Life, you must obey the commandments."

"All of the commandments? I didn’t think it was possible…."

"Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

"Is there nothing more than that? I have kept these commandments since I was saved years ago."

"If you truly want life, live your life as your faith. Sell all that you own; your car, your house, your clothing and give that money to the poor. You will have life everlasting, but you must lead your life in humble service of others."

"I was taught that you required faith, and that you wanted me to have a happy life. I am grateful for the things that God has blessed me with, but I have a a wife and kids. I have to provide for them…I can’t just sell everything!"

And with that, Jesus turned his back on this man, and resumed his teaching to the crowd. The man walked away, crying into his hands. The crowd did not understand the language of the stranger who had approached, nor Jesus’ responses. So Jesus then explained what happened to the crowd.

Thus the story in Matthew 19:16-30 (KJV) is explained (emphasis added):

[16] And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
[17] And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
[18] He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
[19] Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
[20] The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
[21] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
[22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
[23] Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
[24] And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
[25] When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
[26] But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
[27] Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
[28] And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
[29] And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
[30] But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.