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The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down  /  Chapter 23, Was God Changing the Rules  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 8
Jesus’ interaction with the rich young ruler becomes Bercot’s template for how leaders could have addressed Constantine—“Sell all that you have…come follow me”; what would it mean to apply Jesus’ words about wealth and power to a professing Christian ruler (or a wealthy Christian leader), and what fears surface when we imagine actually doing that?
Another way to ask: What would it look like to tell a Christian ruler or wealthy Christian leader to take Jesus’ words seriously about wealth and power? What fears come up when you imagine actually saying that?

Direct Answer Applying Jesus’ words would mean calling a professing Christian ruler to relinquish wealth and power rather than trying to use those assets for “Christian” ends. The transcript suggests the fear is losing influence, support, and the “disciple”—just as Jesus lost the rich young ruler.

Support from Transcript:

  • Jesus told the rich ruler: “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor… come follow me.”
  • The cost was immediate: “As a result, Jesus lost the young ruler as a disciple.”
  • Bercot says leaders could have treated Constantine similarly: “tell Constantine to divest himself of his wealth and power.”
  • They also could have reminded him to obey kingdom ethics: “love his enemies and do good to them,” but “they didn’t.”
  • Earlier, Bercot says if Constantine were truly from God, the church “didn’t have to compromise” to keep favor.
Discussion Follow-ups What do we fear losing if we call influential Christians to costly obedience—donations, protection, access, or growth? Would we rather keep a powerful “disciple” than speak words that might drive him away?

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