Central Truth

Jesus gives the hard truth that no one can be saved apart from Him. This truth first brings shock and discomfort, then incredible peace and gratitude.

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Reflections

What a rich chapter! So many potential areas to focus on, but in the end, it's the story of the rich young ruler that gets me every time. For years, I didn't like this passage. I usually like to imagine myself as David, a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22) or even Peter, someone who makes mistakes, but is passionately committed to Christ. And at times, I can be those things. But if I'm being honest, too often I'm like the rich young ruler. "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16). On the surface, a great question, but Jesus answered the real question, and the real question could have been something more arrogant like this: "Teacher, for the life of me I can't think of anything else I would have to do to have eternal life . . . can you?" Or it could have been more selfish: "Teacher, what's the minimum I have to do to get eternal life?" Either way, his motives were off, and Jesus saw it.

Jesus tells him that he is not good because only One is good. Ouch! The young man views his obedience as complete and enough. Jesus then asks him to do something He knew the rich young ruler couldn't do. Give up his wealth and everything that goes with it (personal identity, power, meaning). The young man walks away sorrowful, probably thinking what I am thinking at this point . . . access to eternal life is too difficult. The nail in the coffin is the "camel through the eye of a needle" line. Now, eternal life seems impossible! See! See why I don't like this passage?

But then Jesus says something that fills me with nothing but gratitude. His disciples ask the obvious question, "Who then can be saved?" (Matthew 19:25) Jesus looked at them and said, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:27) Jesus reminds us that life is found only in Him. It's a gift I could never buy on my own. It's grace that I don't deserve. It's a love I cannot fathom. Wow. I think I'm starting to love this passage now.

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Discussion Questions

1. In what ways are you sympathetic to the rich young ruler?

2. If Jesus were to tell you to leave behind your riches and everything you value to follow Him, how would you react?

3. Has He asked this of you?

4. Now, knowing of His provision, how will you respond?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

MATTHEW 16-20 (JANUARY 23-27)

Read Matthew 18:12-14.

* What does the shepherd do if one sheep is lost? Scripture tells us that Jesus is our shepherd, and we are His sheep. Read John 10:14.

* Jesus wants all of His sheep (people) to trust Him as their Savior. Read 2 Peter 3:9.

* How do people know and hear about Jesus?

Activity: Get a roll of toilet paper. This will represent your lost sheep. Take turns hiding the "sheep" around the house and having the rest of the family look for it. Each time you find it, stop and pray for someone you know who has not trusted in Jesus as Savior.

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