“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” (Romans 3:28)

In the history of Christianity, in the history of the entire world of religious beliefs, there is no more profound, no more radical statement than this verse from the apostle Paul in his monumental letter to the Romans. A person, a sinner from birth steeped in the sin of Adam, a natural born enemy of God is justified (declared to be righteous) by faith (that is, trust in the promise of God) apart from works of the Law. There is no more profound, radical statement than that.

Jesus could see the shocked look on His disciples’ faces. “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” They had just watched an earnest, seeking, religious young man turn away with a long face on hearing Jesus say, “Sell all your possessions, give the money to the poor, and come follow me.” This was Jesus’ answer to the question “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The disciples, I’m sure, were shocked at Jesus’ answer, and His letting this eager young man go away to ponder his riches. Why didn’t you go and chase Him down, Jesus? Why did you scare him off like that? This is no way to grow the kingdom!

Riches and religion are on the Gospel table with morning with this question from a rich young man: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” That’s a reasonably religious question. Religion is about doing good to earn God’s favor. Jesus is a good teacher, the source authority (it would seem) for doing good. What good thing must one do to get in good with God to inherit eternal life?

There are two red flags on this question from the outset. First, what’s this business about “good.” “No one is good except God alone,” Jesus says. So, unless you believe me to be God, you wouldn’t address me as good, though it tells you where the religious thinking of the young man is. He thinks in terms of good and bad. Jesus is clearly in the category of “good” and the young man fancies himself to be in the same category. He doesn’t murder, steal, commit adultery, lie, bear false witness, and dishonor father and mother. He is a model citizen, who has kept the law (or so he believes) since his youth. He clearly has a sense of who is good and who is not good.

“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Now there’s a lead question, don’t you think? When I’m confronted with a question like that, my first response is to ask, “Why are you asking?” There is really no safe way to answer this question without getting sucked into the quagmire of the law, which is precisely where the Pharisees want Jesus. They are asking Him this “in order to test Him.” They knew the debate. The conservative rabbi Shammai said only in the case of adultery; the liberal Hillel said even if she burned the roast. Is it lawful to divorce your wife? This is hardly in the way of gifts given, received and rejoiced over; more in the way of the law and keeping one’s paperwork in order.