MATTHEW 19:16-22 – And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

THEME OF THE DAY. JESUS ALWAYS GOES TO THE HEART. I think the man in today’s scripture had good intentions. He appears serious. At first. He did recognize Jesus with respect – “Teacher.” He did seek to know the most important issue in life – “eternal life.” He did come to the One who had the only answer. He did listen to Jesus’ response. But with all that could be said of him for good, there were serious flaws in him which would prove to keep him from being a true follower of the Lord Jesus. Let’s look at his flaws with the second one being the chief one revealing how Jesus exposes the real hindrance in people becoming dedicated followers of Him.

First, the man failed to understand knowing God which defines eternal life is not of human effort but by divine granting through grace. Jesus opens His High Priestly prayer showing us both – When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:1-3). Eternal life is knowing God. Eternal life is freely given by the Son of God. Now the second flaw or chief hindrance preventing people from following Christ with a whole heart and life.

Notice where Jesus takes the conversation. After all was said and done, Jesus exposes the heart of the matter to the man. He knew the real issue was his heart. The man had an idol in his life that was keeping him from following Jesus. It was materialism – “For he had great possessions.” This was an area that captured the man’s affections, even controlled his life. And it is no different today. Many people would like the benefits of Jesus but on their terms. Our Lord will have no part of such “negotiation” with would be or true disciples. He is Lord of all or not Lord at all. For us? We are prone to idolatry as well. It could be like the man in today’s scriptures, materialism. Or other things like . . . human relationships, vocations, hobbies, recreation, entertainment, educational pursuits, praise of people, fear of people . . . and many other things. And simply defined, an idol is anyone or anything that comes between us and the Lord Jesus preventing a complete surrender to His Lordship. Should this be allowed, don’t expect a fruitful and joyful Christian life. We simply cannot enjoy the Lord if in rebellion to the Lord by not living in total surrender to Him in everything and with everyone.

God’s love is so precious and glorious that He will not allow it to be in competition with anything or anyone in the hearts of His people. And to prove this truth, He will take us deep into the places of our hearts where idols may seek to hide to expose them, and then move us to remove them.

PRAYER: “Father, thank You so much for searching my heart and showing me areas, I need to surrender to You.”

QUOTE: “Jesus’ love exposes us to areas in our lives we hold too closely that need to be addressed if we are to follow Him closer.”