March 13, 2024

Matthew 19:16-22  (HCSB)
The Rich Young Ruler
16 Just then someone came up and asked Him,“Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” He said to him. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” he asked Him. Jesus answered: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; 19 honor your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as yourself. 20 “I have kept all these,” the young man told Him. “What do I still lack?” 21 “If you want to be perfect,” Jesus said to him, “go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” 22 When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

BJ Stalin
“What good thing must I do?” I have a dear friend that has been taught to believe his eternal destiny is dependent upon his performance in this life. And while that may be a noble endeavor, we will always come up short and reach an end of either our resolve or our resources. Jesus pops this poor guy in verse 21, “If you would be perfect” (ESV). Wow, we’ve just cut to the chase and have reached the end of ourselves. Good is one thing, but perfect? No one is perfect. In a sense, this man has been confronted with “You have heard...But I tell you,” and as good as this dude believed himself up to be at first, he ends up sadly walking away from the One that offered fulfillment and what he was ultimately seeking. Will we be equally honest with ourselves? For most of us, I’m quite sure our breaking point would be far short of selling everything we have. But the good news is that there IS only one who is good. The very one this rich man asked concerning eternal life, Jesus! He did live a life of perfection and gave up everything He had to the poor, you and me, so that we could inherit eternal life through His righteousness and sacrifice. Praise be to God. Believe in Him!