Today’s reading is Matthew 19.
I can’t help but think Matthew is still working on the theme of humility when he records the story of the fellow we often call the Rich Young Ruler. It shouldn’t shock us very much to discover that is Matthew’s intention, considering in Matthew 20:20-28, he’s going to record another story of disciples putting themselves forward as the greatest.
It almost seems as if the ruler is a contrast with the children Jesus just blessed. Little children, who have nothing, come to Him and Jesus prays for them, lays His hands on them, rebukes the disciples over them. This rich guy comes and goes away sad without a blessing. The disciples are completely shocked this guy isn’t worthy. They even ask, “Well, if this guy can’t be saved, who can?” Money doesn’t get us into the kingdom; humility does.
Do you see the problem with the ruler? He claims he has kept all the commandments. But has he? No doubt, we have the easy answer that he didn’t keep them perfectly. No one has (Romans 3:23). However, there is more to it than that. When Jesus tells him he lacks one thing, Jesus is actually highlighting the ruler is failing to keep one of the commandments. When Jesus tells him to get rid of his material goods and follow Him, He brings to the forefront the rich man’s failure. He actually had violated the very first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” He had a god before the one, true, living God. He would rather follow his money than follow Jesus. In other words, with his mouth, he claimed Jesus was good. However, with his actions, he claimed nothing was better than his riches and material wealth. He may not have had any shrines set up in his house to his wealth. But he clearly had shrines set up to his wealth in his heart. He gained status, value, importance, meaning from his wealth. He was unwilling to humble himself before Jesus and give up his wealth. He was sad when he left Jesus, but he left Jesus nonetheless.
The kingdom isn’t made up of rich people. It’s made up of humble people. Remember that.
Tomorrow’s reading is Matthew 19.
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Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the chapter and the written devo above?
- Why is it hard for rich people to enter Jesus’s kingdom?
- What does it mean to have no other gods before the one, true God?
- Why is it good to know what is impossible for man is possible for God? Especially when it comes to our salvation?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this chapter and today’s post?
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