Read Mathew 19: 16 - 30
Let's make some observations that allow us to apply this encounter to our own lives and experiences.
Observation #1:
This man coming with the question came from a legalistic mindset. What must I DO? In other words, what actions or rules must I follow to be guaranteed eternal life. Do we not approach God with the same mindset? "OK, God ... I have my excel spreadsheet in front of me. Which of these 'rules' are the most important ones? Which ones MUST I do and which ones are optional? I want to be able to present to You a stellar report card. So, would you highlight for me the necessities?" That was the question ... and if we are not careful, we reduce religion to the same kind of thinking.
Observation #2:
Jesus' first response was in the man's same mindset. He presented a list. It is interesting to notice that in Jesus' listing of the 10 Commandments, he quotes 6 ... all from the second set of the commandments ... those relating to our relationships with others. Are they more important than the others? No ... but Jesus is leading this man down a path. And, as it turns out, it is a path upon which the man does not want to walk. Jesus meets us where we are and leads us on. You don't have to be at any particular place in your faith journey to ask questions of Jesus. ASK. He will meet you there ... and lead you on. Of course, you will decide whether or not you will follow.
Observation #3:
Riches are dangerous things. They are not sin in and of themselves ... but they are dangerous. Why? One reason is because when we have much, we tend toward believing that we are really independent ... that we can handle things ... we can pay our way out of trouble. They also tie us to this earth. Do you remember in Matthew 6 when Jesus said:
Observation #4:
Jesus turns the world's value system upside down. Our world does not place much value in humility ... in service ... in considering the "other" as much as one considers the "self". But we must remember, the world's value system is temporary - short-lived. As parents, we strive to help our children understand the value in "delayed satisfaction". And then as adults, we rebel against it! Are you rebelling right now?
Observation #5:
C. S. Lewis, in his book, Mere Christianity, describes powerfully what it costs for eternal life with God. This is the message that Jesus was giving our "wealthy someone" in this passage. Place yourself in the position of receiving these words. Then do more than just listen ... really HEAR!
Observation #1:
This man coming with the question came from a legalistic mindset. What must I DO? In other words, what actions or rules must I follow to be guaranteed eternal life. Do we not approach God with the same mindset? "OK, God ... I have my excel spreadsheet in front of me. Which of these 'rules' are the most important ones? Which ones MUST I do and which ones are optional? I want to be able to present to You a stellar report card. So, would you highlight for me the necessities?" That was the question ... and if we are not careful, we reduce religion to the same kind of thinking.
Observation #2:
Jesus' first response was in the man's same mindset. He presented a list. It is interesting to notice that in Jesus' listing of the 10 Commandments, he quotes 6 ... all from the second set of the commandments ... those relating to our relationships with others. Are they more important than the others? No ... but Jesus is leading this man down a path. And, as it turns out, it is a path upon which the man does not want to walk. Jesus meets us where we are and leads us on. You don't have to be at any particular place in your faith journey to ask questions of Jesus. ASK. He will meet you there ... and lead you on. Of course, you will decide whether or not you will follow.
Observation #3:
Riches are dangerous things. They are not sin in and of themselves ... but they are dangerous. Why? One reason is because when we have much, we tend toward believing that we are really independent ... that we can handle things ... we can pay our way out of trouble. They also tie us to this earth. Do you remember in Matthew 6 when Jesus said:
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Riches tend to shackle us. We can become so consumed with getting and maintaining the earthly that we fail to place any focus upon the other world, the eternal. Riches also have the tendency to make us selfish. The world of "more" begins to take hold of our spirits and souls. And the world of "more" has one player ... self. William Barclay writes a dire warning in regards to this encounter:
Those who put things before people and self before others must turn their backs on Jesus Christ.
Observation #4:
Jesus turns the world's value system upside down. Our world does not place much value in humility ... in service ... in considering the "other" as much as one considers the "self". But we must remember, the world's value system is temporary - short-lived. As parents, we strive to help our children understand the value in "delayed satisfaction". And then as adults, we rebel against it! Are you rebelling right now?
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
Observation #5:
C. S. Lewis, in his book, Mere Christianity, describes powerfully what it costs for eternal life with God. This is the message that Jesus was giving our "wealthy someone" in this passage. Place yourself in the position of receiving these words. Then do more than just listen ... really HEAR!
That is why Jesus warned people to "count the cost" before becoming Christian. "Make not mistake," He says, "if you let me, I will make you perfect. the moment you put yourself in My hands, that is what you are in for. Nothing less, or other, than that. You have free will, and if you choose, you an push me away. But if you do not push Me away, understand that I am going to see this job through. Whatever suffering it may cost you in your earthly life ... whatever it costs Me, I will never rest, nor let you rest, until you are literally perfect - until my Father can say without reservation that He is well pleased with you, as He said he was well pleased with e. This I can do and will do. But I will not do anything less."
The word is surrender. Will you?
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