Today’s Bible text is a very familiar story to many. But when we read our bibles with open hearts there are always new things the Holy Spirit wants to teach us. May God speak personally to your heart today as we learn new lessons from an old story…
Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” So, Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” So, when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?” But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” So, He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”” (Luke 18:18–30, NKJV)
There are many important questions answered in today’s text. Among them are…
Who is good and who is not? Who can be saved and who cannot?
What can keep a person from surrendering their lives to God?
As we study this difficult and challenging text remember a few key concepts.
Jesus came to save you from the deception of Satan.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10, NKJV)
Following God’s ways lead to the best possible life.
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, NKJV)
Jesus gave His all for you so that you would give your all to Him.
and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Corinthians 5:15, NKJV)
Let’s be true seekers of God always!
Pastor Mike