READING: Luke 18:9-14, Mark 10:1-12, Matthew 19:1-12, Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17, Mark 10:17-31, Matthew 19:16-30, Luke 18:18-30
We know him as the “rich young ruler,” but no single Gospel writer describes him this way. Matthew tells us he was young. Luke tells us the man was a ruler. All three synoptic Gospels tell us he was rich (having “great possessions” in Matthew and Mark, “extremely rich” in Luke). More specifically, though, all the writers take us to the sad end of the story when the man walks away from Jesus, unwilling to follow Him and disheartened by His command to give up his idols. It was surely a tragic scene.
It was also an honest one, though, evidenced by the disciples’ response. They believed riches were a sign of God’s blessings, so surely this man was right with the Creator. If he could not be saved, then who could be? Their question honestly reflected the teaching of their day. At the same time, the entire story reflects the reality of the human heart apart from God: we live for “stuff,” and giving up stuff to follow God makes little sense in our unconverted minds.
Knowing Jesus, though, is worth giving up all. What He has for us today, and what He promises us for tomorrow are greater than all the temporary possessions we have now. We need not be sad to give them up.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much would you be willing to give up to follow God?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, I commit to living for You today—not for possessions.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 20:1-16, Mark 10:32-34, Matthew 20:17-19, Luke 18:31-34, Mark 10:35-45, Matthew 20:20-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-19:27
