Words from the Rock
A man stopped Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
Jesus said, “Why do you question me about what’s good? God is the One who is good. If you want to enter the life of God, just do what he tells you.”
The man asked, “What in particular?”
Jesus said, “Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as you do yourself.”
The young man said, “I’ve done all that. What’s left?”
“If you want to give it all you’ve got,” Jesus replied, “go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me.”
That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crest-fallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn’t bear to let go.
Matthew 19:16–22 Message
This Scripture begins on a hopeful note. A young man approaches Jesus for advice on how to get eternal life. Yet this confident young man almost seems to have a hidden agenda—which, naturally, Jesus will see through and expose. In fact, right from the start Jesus counters with “Why not just go directly to God? He’s good and will tell you what to do.” But the young man wants specifics. So Jesus starts rattling off commandments, then waits for a response. The persistent young man announces that he’s done all that and asks what else he must do.
Imagine Jesus in that moment. Does he pause hopefully, or does he already know the outcome? Whatever the case, he asks the man the big question—is he willing to give up everything? Can he sell all his belongings, give the money to the poor, and follow Jesus? Sadly, the answer is no. The reason? This young man is wealthy—he has many possessions, and he’s not willing to part with them. Not even for Jesus.
If only he knew what he had given up . . . or maybe he does, and that’s why he goes away sad. He rejects an eternal treasure that would only increase in value in order to hold on to his earthly “riches” that are worthless.
God wants us to realize and appreciate the difference between things this world values (like money, cars, clothes), and what he offers (like a fulfilled life, endless love, enduring peace). He wants us to choose what’s most valuable and hold onto it.
My Prayer
Dear God,
I don’t ever want my attachment to things to keep me from serving you. Please remind me of what’s really valuable and what’s not.
Amen.
Final Word
Don’t be greedy! Owning a lot of things won’t make your life safe.
Luke 12:15 CEV
Stone for the Journey
The best I can do is to follow God.