ENCOUNTERING JESUS
Susan Murray
Today’s Scripture: “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’” Matthew 19:21, ESV
Theme: When we want to follow Jesus, He may not ask us to give away all we have, but He does require us to accept a position as a servant in His kingdom.
PERSONAL
The Gospels contain many stories that describe people’s interactions with Jesus. None of the stories are identical because Jesus saw into each person’s heart with wisdom and intentionality and provided each of them with what they needed as individuals. The religious Pharisee and social insider, Nicodemus, came secretly at night out of fear of others (see John, Chapter 3). He received a theology lesson that salvation and entry into the Kingdom of God was not based on religious adherence but by the supernatural, spiritual transformation of a new birth. In John, Chapter 4, a Samaritan woman, who was a religious and social outsider, did not get a theology lesson but a conversation with a Man who, although He knew all her sins and irreligious living, broke acceptable social norms and spoke to her. Jesus, without shaming her, offered Living Water as the source of true life instead of the multiple romantic relationships she sought after to find happiness.
MATTER OF THE HEART
Our verse today in Matthew 17 tells us of Jesus' encounter with a rich young ruler. He was religious and wanted to obey God, which we see when he confirmed keeping the five commandments that Jesus listed. I suspect that this man, although he kept those laws, still felt something was missing. Otherwise, why would he ask Jesus what “he must do” to enter heaven?
You would think Jesus would be delighted at his obedience and his desire to do more, but asking for something “to do” was the real problem. The young man was looking for an action plan, as though he could earn his own way to heaven. Because Jesus loved him, He obliged by giving him exactly what he asked for—an action step—when He told him to sell everything and give it to the poor. The man was unable to follow the command, which then revealed (the whole point of the command) what Jesus already knew about his heart: he loved money and possessions more than God. This is the breaking of the “first and greatest commandment, “to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5, NIV).
Selling possessions and giving to the poor doesn’t save anyone, because that would make salvation something we do, not what God does By revealing the young man’s heart in this way, Jesus was inviting him to turn away (repent) from the enslavement of money and possessions as his source of life (significance, identity, security) and accept Jesus as his source of true life. This is the treasure of heaven, and being born again means being free to live a transformed life of service to God and others.
RESPONSE
Jesus was offering the same thing to Nicodemus, the woman at the well, and the rich young ruler as well to us, and all those we read about in the Gospels. He was offering Himself, using words and actions tailored for each person’s heart. Each person who responded positively also led to service tailored for them. Nicodemus became a follower because he later associated himself with Jesus (which was dangerous) when he helped prepare Him for burial. The woman at the well ran to those she had avoided due to shame and who had rejected her due to her sin, telling them what Jesus had done for her and inviting them to come and see. The rich young ruler walked away sadly. I wonder if he ever came back? The religious leaders reacted in anger, seeking to kill Jesus. Then there is Zacchaeus (a rich, Jewish outsider) who received Him with joy.
Make It Personal: Have you had your personal encounter with Jesus? What did He reveal about your heart? What did you feel and what was your response: sad, mad, unsure, or joyful? Repentance is always the first step in following Jesus. No matter the response, He is always ready to meet with you again and again, through honest conversation with Him (prayer), worship, music, words from a friend, and the Bible.
Pray: Jesus, I praise You because You humbled Yourself, becoming a human so we could see and know You. Open my eyes so I can see myself and where I need to repent. Most importantly, show me who You really are more fully each day so I feel Your love, grace, and wisdom, the only things that will free my heart to love You and others though service. A-men
Read: Matthew 19:16-30; 1 Corinthians 13:3; John 3:1-3; John 19: 39-42; Matthew 12:14; Luke 19:5-6
Weekly Memory Verse: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45, ESV