Poor Little Rich Boy
Opening Prayer
You are my treasure, God. There is nothing that compares to You, and my heart longs for You.
Read Matthew 19:16-30
[16] Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” [17] “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” [18] “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, [19] honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.'” [20] “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” [21] Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” [22] When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. [23] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. [24] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” [25] When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” [26] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” [27] Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” [28] Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. [30] But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What was the young man looking for?Jesus continues to reveal the upside-down values of his kingdom, which prioritize unflashy qualities such as humility, forgiveness, caring for weak and difficult people, honoring our vows, and surrendering to God. These are so alien to what the world regards as success that it’s no surprise the disciples reject the humble (13-15) and are impressed by outward appearance (23-25).Was the young man treated harshly (18-20)? If so, where’s the evidence of Jesus rejecting him? Jesus’ challenge in verse 21 puts the spotlight on this man’s heart, but the offer of eternal life is still on the table. Why does the young man turn away when presented with a choice that could ensure his eternal future? The rich man’s problem is that he wants to guarantee his eternal security by his own efforts. So often we do the same, trying to get leverage with God, rather than accepting the gift of life and glory open to all who will yield control of their lives and letting Jesus’ blood do all it has the power to do (28-30).
Apply
Wealth was the idol in the young man’s life. What is the idol in your life that gives you meaning? Offer it over to God.
Closing prayer
All that is of worth is in You, God. I yield everything, so that I may gain the only thing of value.
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