The gospel of today forms the third part on the teaching on riches (10:- 17-31). The first unit has the rich young man at the heart of the story, the second unit has the instruction to the disciples and finally his teaching about rewards for giving up riches.

At the heart of this teaching, are the obstacles that  the love for wealth creates, for one who chooses to be a disciple. This section is prompted by Peter, who by now is well on his way to be winner in the category of ‘apostle of spontaneous prayer’ and mercifully he is neither in la la land nor is he moonlighting (with apologies to Warren Beatty and the Oscar fiasco). Recall how he is always the one to speak first! ” Should we build three tents here? Who do men say I am? How often should I forgive my brother?  He is always the one to speak first, speak spontaneously and speak impetuously.

So speaking for the disciples, he weighs in on the question; what’s in it for me  (WIIFM)? He and the disciples had done what the Lord has asked the rich young man to do. Did they qualify for the kingdom? Was giving up their tiny boat comparable in value to what the rich young man was called to give up?