Matthew 19:16-30 The Rightful Demands He Makes On Us

My commentary says that here the Lord explains "the rightful demands that He makes on those who want to trust Him and be His disciples."

First, we must love Him supremely.  The rich young ruler was sincere, but he'd been trained that salvation was by works and not by faith -- something the Jewish people believed at that time.  "In spite of his position is society, his morality, and his religion, he felt a definite need for something more."

In His reply, Jesus didn't focus on salvation, but on the definition of the word "good".  In effect, He said, "Do you believe that I am good and therefore that I am God?"  When the young man, "Which commandment?", it seems that he thought some commandments were more important to keep than others.  He failed to understand that breaking one breaks all.  He was also thinking only of external obedience.  He'd forgotten about attitudes of the heart.

"Jesus knew that this man was covetous; he loved material wealth.  By asking Him to sell his goods, Jesus was forcing him to examine his own heart and determine his priorities ... the young man still did not truly love God with all of his heart.  Possessions were his god.  He was unable to obey..."

Father, help me to turn loose of everything that I might try to love more than You.  Help me to understand the promises Jesus made at the start of this -- that You'll reward me a hundred times more for what I sacrifice -- and that it isn't really a sacrifice, but an investment.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford