Matthew 19:16-22
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As you read Matthew 19:16-22 try to imagine what might have motivated the rich young man to seek Jesus out.
As we saw in an earlier passage, our questions can often reveal more than we would like. Consider the question of the wealthy young man:
“What good thing must I do to have eternal life?”
This young man is probably used to getting what he wants because he has the means to acquire whatever he desires, so he naturally assumes that there must be a price he can pay, or an action he can take, to secure life everlasting. His question reveals the kind of transactional mindset that has been prevalent throughout the centuries right up to today.
Take a moment to think about how you would answer the question of the young man, or consider what a better question might be. Talk openly with Jesus about your thoughts.
Read Matthew 19:16-22 again noticing anything new that stands out.
Jesus meets this man at the point of his understanding and takes him to the edge of his transactional mindset by pointing out that he can’t buy or act his way into the Kingdom of God. If he wants to get in on his own merit or by his own efforts, he must be perfect. And no one is.
The man goes away sad, but we have to wonder if Jesus’ challenge eventually leads him beyond the boundaries of his faulty thinking.
Get still for a moment and just be in the presence of Jesus.
When you are ready, identify where Jesus is challenging your thinking currently through his teaching or example. Spend some time expressing what you are thinking and feeling about Jesus’ current challenge to you, and then return to silence and simply listen.
What might Jesus be challenging you to think differently about today, and what do you sense him inviting you to do in response?
Will you do that?
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