Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Matthew 19:16-21.
It is interesting to me that Matthew placed this incident right after a very short piece about Jesus teaching that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children.” This man approaches Jesus with a question that people have asked all down through history: What do I have to do to get into heaven? Notice that Jesus simply tells him to keep the commandments. When he follows up seeking specifics and Jesus gives them, the man knows that there is still something missing in his life and asks Jesus what that might be. (Maybe you have the same question for Jesus.)
I believe Jesus knew that his answer was going to be hard for this man to accept, but he took him seriously and answered his question. If he truly wanted to experience the fullness of the kingdom, he needed to relinquish his attachment to his stuff (his material possessions and wealth). Also, take note of who he was to help if he was willing to take this step: the poor. Jesus regularly guided (and guides) his followers to help the least and last among us. I wonder if that young man ever did what Jesus told him to do?
Personal Worship Option:
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