Matthew 19 - O4.03.25
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10:16 NIV
“Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?””
OBSERVATION
This encounter is shared in Matthew, Mark (10:17-20), and Luke (18:18-30).
Matthew tells us this man was young (vs 20) Luke tells us he was a ruler (vs 18) and Mark tells us he “ran” to Jesus and “knelt” before Him(vs 17). All three accounts share about his great wealth.
So, this rich young ruler ran to Jesus and knelt before HIM with an urgent question:
“Good Teacher”, “what good thing must I do —to get eternal life?”
This truly is the MOST Important question anyone can ever ask.
Where and How we spend eternity may not seem to matter much now—but the moment we take our last breath—the things on earth that we held so dear will NO longer have any value—and eternity will be a reality—coming—FRONT and Center.
Jesus extended an extraordinary offer to the rich young ruler “to believe IN Him and COME Follow Him”—as one of His disciples.
“Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect,
go and sell all your possessions and
give the money to the poor, and
you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, Follow me (believing and Trusting IN Me)
(Matthew 19:21 NLT)
The rich young ruler went away from Jesus grieving and in distress—
Because he had great wealth. He did not have eyes to SEE the very real eternal kingdom to come. He placed his faith in the fading, rusting, subject to “theft and moth” destruction—temporal wealth of this world.
APPLICATION
THE —ONE—GOOD Thing —-we MUST DO to Get Eternal Life
God will never accept second place in our lives.
There is ONLY a First Place option. Savior and LORD go hand in hand..it is NOT a mulitple choice question.
Eternal Life BEGINS the moment we are Born Again (John 17:3). From that point on—
How we LIVE each day will help determine the Words we hear from Jesus AND the rewards we receive in heaven.
“For we will ALL stand before the judgment seat of God [who alone is judge].
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:10, 12)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE GIFT of God is
eternal life IN Christ Jesus—our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NIV)
John records Jesus prayer as HE prepares for the upcoming crucifixion.
“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
For YOU granted HIM authority over ALL people—that HE might GIVE eternal life
to ALL those you have given him.”
Now this is eternal life:
that they KNOW you, the ONLY true God, AND Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
(John 17:1-3 NIV)
PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
Thank YOU that salvation is about so much MORE than what we experience in this world. In fact, it really IS all about the world to COME. Thank YOU Jesus, that as YOU prepare to set up your Future Kingdom, YOU have given us gifts and treasures now so we may demonstrate our love for you AND alignment with Your Kingdom—both now and IN the one to COME. Give me eyes to SEE what it looks like to YOU—to partner in YOUR KINGDOM -and bring you glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Tina L Kudelka