It's possible to have nearly everything we want and still sense that something is missing. Jesus doesn't fill that gap by adding one more good thing to our lives. He invites us to loosen our grip on whatever we're holding more tightly than him, so we can take hold of him instead.
That invitation isn't only for Sunday. It reaches into how we spend our money and our time, what we're most afraid of losing, and where we quietly go looking for security when life feels uncertain.
The Text in Brief
In Luke 18:18-30, a wealthy young ruler asks Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" He has kept the commandments since he was a boy, and Jesus doesn't argue the point. Instead, he names the one thing standing in the way: "Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (Luke 18:22). The man walks away sad, because he was very wealthy. When the crowd wonders who could possibly be saved, Jesus answers, "What is impossible with man is possible with God" (Luke 18:27).
Living It Out This Week
Notice what promises more than it can give
Wealth rarely shows up looking like a rival to Jesus. It feels like security, or wisdom, or just being responsible, which is exactly what makes it so deceptive. The same can be true of a good reputation, a comfortable routine, or the feeling of being in control. None of these are bad in themselves, but none of them can carry the weight of our ultimate security, and they were never meant to.
Try this: Think back to the last time you felt anxious about losing something. What was it, and what were you hoping it would protect you from?
Let go and invest on purpose
Jesus wasn't asking the ruler to become poor for the sake of being poor. He was offering treasure in heaven in exchange for treasure that wouldn't last. Letting go is only half of the picture, and the other half is putting what we have toward the things God cares about.
Try this: Pick one specific way to give this week, whether that's money, time, or something you own, and give it somewhere it will meet a real need.
Settle the question of what comes first
For most of us, the struggle isn't whether we love Jesus but whether he stays first when something else is asking for that spot. Serving others, choosing humility, and giving generously aren't ways to earn our place with God. They grow out of following the one who gave up the riches of heaven because he "came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10).
A question to sit with: If someone looked at your calendar and your spending from the past month, what would they say matters most to you?
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
Whether you're working through these on your own or getting ready to lead your group, take them slowly and let them press on the places where your grip is tightest.
The ruler asks, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" What does his question reveal about his understanding of goodness, achievement, and eternal life? Why do you think Jesus responds by discussing goodness and then referring to the commandments? What is Jesus helping the man see about himself?
Jesus tells the man to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him. Why does Jesus make this particular demand? What does it reveal about the man's heart? What does his response reveal about the difference between wanting eternal life and being willing to follow Jesus?
Jesus says it is difficult for the rich to enter God's kingdom. Why might wealth create a false sense of security, significance, or self-sufficiency? What other things can function as rival sources of security in our lives? The listeners ask, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus answers, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." What does this teach us about the nature of salvation and our need for grace?
What is one good thing (possessions, achievement, reputation, relationships, control, or comfort) that could become a competing source of ultimate security in your life? What might it look like this week to treasure Jesus more than that thing?
Jesus does not merely ask us to give something up; he invites us to receive something far greater. How does the grace of Christ, and what he gave up for us, change the way we hear his call to surrender and follow?
A Prayer for the Week
Jesus, you know what I'm holding onto, even the things I haven't admitted to myself. Thank you for giving up everything to come and find me. Loosen my grip on what can't save me, and help me take hold of you instead. What is impossible for me is possible for you, so lead me this week and I'll follow. Amen.
Join Us Sunday
We'd love to have you with us this Sunday as we keep learning what it looks like to make Jesus the main thing. Join us at Souderton at 9:00 and 10:30am, or at Quakertown at 9:30am.