Two Disciples

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James Tissot - The Rich Young Man Went Away Sorrowful


"The teacher's words about wealth are hard," one disciple said with a concerned expression on his face.  He and his friend, both students, watched a young man, head lowered, move away from the crowd.

"He has much," the other responded, "It was easier for us.  You and I both had barely a place to rest our heads.  That young man has servants and inherited riches.  It is more difficult to give away a life of luxury."

"What of Matthew?" the first asked.

The other replied, "Sure, he was more comfortable than either of us.  But his spirit was troubled.  Collecting taxes from his brothers.  I don't think that ever sat right with him.  All he needed was to hear the voice of the master and he was eager to walk in his footsteps."

“Perhaps the young man is pleased with his life as it is," the first disciple pondered. "But he did come with a question about eternal life... and he called the teacher good.”

“And the teacher answered him, ‘no one is good but God’.”

"And how do you think he meant that?" The first one queried.

"You mean... that no one is good but God?"

The first disciple responded, "Yes, that's exactly what I meant."

The second disciple had no answer, beyond the shake of his head.  He'd learned much since the day when he chose to throw down his fishing net and follow a stranger who called from the shore.  He was sure some thought he was foolish.  Sometimes he wasn't sure how he felt about his willingness to leave his meager life behind.  But since doing so, he'd seen things he wouldn't have believed if someone told him.  Still, who was he, this teacher?

"He is good, you know," the first disciple said, when his friend gave no response. "No one who is evil could tell a man who had never walked to get up and dance.  No one who is evil could... or would be able to forgive sins."

"One of the scribes present said that he blasphemed," the other disciple commented, referring to the paralytic being told to rise, pick up his mat, and walk.

"But you and I, we've seen and heard.  For myself, I believe that Jesus is good... and only God is good."



copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr

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