A man came to Jesus and asked; what good thing must he do to get eternal life? His question was not valid: No one other than God himself is good. All inclinations of fallen man are evil (Ge 6:5). Eternal life is not something that we “get” (Ro 6:23). The man’s idea stems from human desire to achieve something great with his own strength, away from God’s grace and sovereign will.

Jesus counseled this young, rich man (22) who had kept the law from his youth (20), to be perfect by selling all his possessions, giving the proceeds to the poor, and following Jesus (21). Jesus explained the extent of God's love that we need to learn as we practice keeping the law. However, having too much to lose, the man went away sad.

The disciples were also perplexed at Jesus’ comment that it was hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. They might not have been rich, but they also had the desire to keep as much in the world and enter God’s kingdom as well. While it may seem impossible to let go of our desires for the world, God makes it all possible when we commit to following Jesus (26, 29). Would you decide today to follow Jesus, giving up things of the world that hold you back?
Application: Father, you are the one righteous and good. Please declutter my mind of worldly things and lead me.
One Word: Follow Jesus