“When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.”
Matthew 19:22
The rich young man in Matthew 19 would have been respected and admired. He’d been moral and upright since his youth. He was drawn to the teachings of Jesus and felt compelled to ask Him what good things he could do to achieve eternal life. The answer was not to his liking. Even though he told Jesus that he’d kept all the commandments, he had disregarded the very first one: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). The young man’s many possessions had first place in his heart.
Jesus taught that anyone who chooses to follow Him “must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The Sovereign Lord must be on the throne of our lives, above possessions, achievements, and even relationships. It’s a hard teaching.
However, we also know that Jesus said He came so we would “have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). It is a life of freedom, joy, and peace that outshines the circumstances of life. When we choose to follow Him, Jesus invites us to be yoked together with Him, making our burdens light.
Jesus taught that anyone who chooses to follow Him “must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The Sovereign Lord must be on the throne of our lives, above possessions, achievements, and even relationships. It’s a hard teaching.
However, we also know that Jesus said He came so we would “have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). It is a life of freedom, joy, and peace that outshines the circumstances of life. When we choose to follow Him, Jesus invites us to be yoked together with Him, making our burdens light.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 19:16-26
Insight
“What a fellowship, what a joy divine,/ leaning on the everlasting arms.” (Elisha A. Hoffman, 1887)
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 3-4
- Psalm 132
- Galatians 1-2