Christ left His riches and glory, and became poor, that man through His poverty might be made rich. He now requires him for the sake of these riches to yield earthly things and secure heaven. Christ knew that while the affections were upon worldly treasure, they would be withdrawn from God; therefore He said to the lawyer: “Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.” How did he receive the words of Christ? Was he rejoiced that he could secure the heavenly treasure? He was very sorrowful, for he had great possessions. To him riches were honor and power. The great amount of his treasure made such a disposal of it seem like an impossibility. {4T 49.4}

Kristus forlod sine rigdomme og herlighed og blev fattig, så mennesker ved hans armod kunne blive gjort rige. Han kræver nu af ham for disse rigdommes skyld, at opgive jordiske ting og sikre sig himmelen. Kristus vidste at, så længe kærligheden var til verdslige rigdomme, ville de drages bort fra Gud; (50) derfor sagde han til advokaten. »Gå hen og sælg, hvad du ejer og giv det til de fattige, så vil du have en skat i Himlene; og kom så og følg mig!« Hvordan tog han imod Kristi ord? Var han glad over at han kunne sikre sig himmelske rigdomme? Han blev meget ked af det, for han havde megen ejendom. For ham var rigdomme lig ære og magt. Hans store rigdomme var anbragt på sådan en måde at det synes at være en umulighed.