In Matthew 19 today we see the story of the rich man that came to Jesus and asked what he needed to do to possess eternal life. After discussing the commandments, Jesus gave the young man something that he could do:
20The young man said, I have observed all these from my youth; what still do I lack?
21Jesus answered him, If you would be perfect [that is, have that spiritual maturity which accompanies self-sacrificing character], go and sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; and come, be My disciple [side with My party and follow Me].
22But when the young man heard this, he went away sad (grieved and in much distress), for he had great possessions.
23And Jesus said to His disciples, Truly I say to you, it will be difficult for a rich man to get into the kingdom of heaven.
The young man was sad about what he heard and left. WHY? Because he didn't possess riches, the riches possessed him! Because he was so money-minded, he didn't even hear Jesus properly! Jesus told him to sell what he had (possessions that would tie him down) and GIVE to the poor. Notice that Jesus did NOT tell him to give it ALL to the poor! What Jesus was actually saying to the young man was to liquidate his assets! Then give SOME of the money to the poor. He just said give, not "give it all"! The young man could have brought his money with him, been a support for Jesus and the disciples in ministry and perhaps would have been the natural replacement for Judas! But his riches OWNED him! He just couldn't imagine himself parting with ANY of what he had! Notice the reaction of the disciples:
24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go into the kingdom of heaven.
25When the disciples heard this, they were utterly puzzled (astonished, bewildered), saying, Who then can be saved?
26But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.
Why do you think they were amazed? Because they HAD riches of their own and knew many others who did also. But Peter asked the right question:
27Then Peter answered Him, saying, Behold, we have left [our] all and have become Your disciples [sided with Your party and followed You]. What then shall we receive?
28Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, in the new age, when the Son of Man shall sit down on the throne of His glory, you who have [become My disciples, sided with My party and] followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
29And anyone and everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for My name's sake will receive many [even a hundred] times more and will inherit eternal life.
30But many who [now] are first will be last [then], and many who [now] are last will be first [then].
Don't hold on to things! Your Heavenly Father well knows that you have need of things in this life! But become a giver the way God is a giver and you will never lack again! Isn't God's Word good!
Shalom in Him!
