1/16/09 Matthew 19
One Thing
(Mt 19:16) 16And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?”
This verse and those that follow remind believers and declare to unbelievers that there is nothing that we can do to earn eternal life. The young man who came to Jesus recognized that there was something lacking in regards to eternal life for him. He was one who owned much property, so the rich are not guaranteed eternal life. He was sincerely religious and claimed to have obeyed all the commandments, so sincerely religious and moral people are not guaranteed eternal life. For this young man there was still a nagging guilt upon his soul that did not let go. He had no peace about his eternal destiny. He approaches Jesus because he recognizes Jesus as a righteous man and one who apparently had eternal life and knew how to get it. Notice that Jesus does not turn him away by saying; “Well, no one can know for sure, you just have to do your best.” NO! Jesus engages the young man positively, suggesting that you can be sure of eternal life. Eternal life is not a “hope so” but a “know so.” Jesus responses are to lead the young man to see his own spiritual bankruptcy in the face of his physical and religious wealth.
First, Jesus lets the young man know that there is no one good, only God. The young man did not see Jesus as deity, but just a godly man. Jesus desires for the man to understand that there is no person “good enough” to gain entrance into the kingdom of God. Young man your estimation of “good” is spiritual bankruptcy before God.
Second, Jesus lets the young man know that entrance into eternal life is done by keeping the commandments. What the man fails to understand is that keeping the commandments is impossible. Only Jesus was able to keep the commandments perfectly, which is God’s standard. Young man your “keeping the commandments” is spiritual bankruptcy before God.
Lastly, Jesus drives to the heart of the matter with the young man. Jesus tells him if you are really serious then you will sell all the you have and give to the poor and follow Me. Jesus here brings the young man face to face with the idol of “wealth” in his life. Young man your trust in “earthly wealth” is spiritual bankruptcy before God. Jesus invites the man to divorce his faith from his idol and wed it to Jesus. If the young man had done this it would have been an act of repentance… the One Thing he could have done to obtain eternal life.
Prayer: Oh most Good and Perfect Father. You alone deserve praise because there is none good but You. All my goodness is nothing in your sight apart from Jesus Christ. I thank you for the Word of God and the clear instruction it gives to everyone who seeks. I know that I am unable to keep your commandments, but as I continue to follow Jesus I am increasingly able to keep your commandments desiring that others may see my (Your) good works and glorify You in Heaven. Mt 5:16. Amen