Matthew 19:16-18a reads:
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to
get eternal life?”
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”
“Which ones?” the man inquired.
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”
“Which ones?” the man inquired.
Which ones? Did something in Jesus’ tone or facial expression hint that we could have a buffet approach to this? Jesus simply answers, “Obey the commandments.” I think this is why so many non-believers in our current society have a hard time accepting forgiveness and life from Christ…its too simple! The gospel message is simply too easy. Corporate America teaches us that the harder we apply ourselves at work the higher up we go in the pay and position. I read the Matthew text above and think, “this guy just wants to know the least he can do to earn a place in Heaven.” And then I think about Jesus…”He chose to go above and beyond…He gave everything possible.” He gave His very life and gained nothing…except the hope of one day having us come back to Him.
This week, may you feel His spirit’s tugging. And may you truly desire to give it all back to Him…expecting nothing in return.
Brent Dumler 