March 10, 2016

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? I THINK NOT!

Matthew 19:13–30

Mandy Winkler
Thursday's Devo

March 10, 2016

Thursday's Devo

March 10, 2016

Central Truth

We may think God has given us a “TO DO” list, but what He requires is our heart.

Key Verse | Matthew 19:24–26

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:24-26)

Matthew 19:13–30

Let the Children Come to Me

13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.

The Rich Young Man

16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 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.” 18 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, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 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.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, 1 19:28 Greek in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 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 a hundredfold 2 19:29 Some manuscripts manifold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Footnotes

[1] 19:28 Greek in the regeneration
[2] 19:29 Some manuscripts manifold

Dive Deeper | Matthew 19:13–30

Do you ever feel like your days are filled with a long “to do” list? Whether at work, church, or just in everyday life, maybe you've felt this way. I love having a list of things that need to get done. Sometimes, I add things to my list that are already done, just so I can cross them off!

I have tried, in the past, to make my salvation a checklist as well. Just like this rich young ruler, I want a checklist so I can earn my salvation. I want to cross things off the list and secure my place in heaven. Going to church on Sunday, check! Reading my Bible, check! Community, check! Saying church phrases people want to hear, check!  Before long, we are either burned out or tired of checklists. Do you think that is by accident?

The Lord designed us to follow and love Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). He has given us the greatest checklist—to follow and love Him. Then, because of our love for Him, we will serve Him with everything in us. God is not keeping track of the amount of time you serve Him, the importance of your position, or even the number of possessions you have. We will be rewarded for our faithfulness to God and how we have used the gifts He has given us, no matter how insignificant they seem to us. God is not concerned with how many earthly possessions you have, unless they stand in the way of you loving Him.

Jesus plainly tells us that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” But there is good news, friends! It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, because “with God all things are possible.” That is such great news for all of us who want a “to do” list.

Salvation is a free gift from God that is not based on our works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Discussion Questions

1. Are you allowing certain possessions or daily activities to get in the way of you loving and serving God?

2. What is one thing you are willing to change, starting today, in order to draw closer to God?

3. Do you have a list of “to do’s”? Is spending time with God on the list?

4. Have you accepted the love of God and trusted in Him to be Lord of your life? If you haven't yet but would like to, please let us know. Send me a tweet or put it in the comments below that you would like to know more.