Matthew
19:16-22
“Then
someone came to him and said, ‘Teacher, what
good deed must I do to have eternal life?’”
(Matthew 19:16)
We
are sometimes uncomfortable receiving and not giving in return. There can be a nagging sense of
responsibility that makes us want to return the favor, or at least feel we have
earned the gift.
For
the young man in our text, “returning the favor,” wasn’t a problem. The NRSV says he had many possessions. The one thing beyond his affluence, however,
was the assurance of eternal life. When
Jesus spoke of the commandments and their claim on his life, the young man said
he had been there and done that.
Following his thinking, Jesus said his life would be complete, and heaven
gained if he would divest himself of all he owned, share his wealth with the
poor, and follow Jesus. I imagine there was a long pause before the young man
responded. Indeed, he said nothing in reply, but walked away grieving. The price of eternity was too high for
him.
It
is true that eternity comes with a high price, but neither this wealthy man nor
you and I could pay that price. The
price was paid with the life of Jesus.
We cannot be worthy of it, earn it, or purchase it. Jesus paid it
all.
Prayer:
Forgive our arrogance, Lord. Remind us anew of the precious gift of eternity
through faith in the living Christ. Amen.
Jim
Abernathy
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