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Chapter 18
The Greatest in the Kingdom
1 About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”2 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.6 But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.7 “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.8 So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet.9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. 10 “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.
Parable of the Lost Sheep
12 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away!14 In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.
Correcting Another Believer
15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! 23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him.24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded.30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me.33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Matt 18:1-35 (NLT)
Chapter 18
THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY. 18:1-6
Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. Our Lord set a little child before them, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter his kingdom. Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outward distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents. It is true that they soon begin to show other dispositions, and other ideas are taught them at an early age; but these are marks of childhood, and render them proper emblems of the lowly minds of true Christians. Surely we need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all. Let us daily study this subject, and examine our own spirits.
Jesus said we all need to become as children. We need to be humble, innocent, trusting, reliant, dependent, asking questions that we really want an answer to. Spiritually speaking, we need a parent whom we can trust and rely on. If we think we have it all together we won't do well. Jesus used a child to help His self-centered disciples. We are not to be childish, like the disciples arguing over petty disputes, but childlike with humle and sincere hearts. The disciples were too focused on Jesus' earthly ministry that they often missed the divine principles Jesus taught. Instead of seeking a place of service they were seeking a place of position of advantage. It is easy to lose the eternal perspective and compete for status in the church.
Jesus taught about two ways to cause others to sin; tempting them (18:7-9) and neglecting or demeaning them (18:10-14). We are to help young people avoid anything or anyone that causes them to stumble in their faith. We must remove stumbling blocks that cause sin. This does not mean we are to cut off our body parts if they sin. For the church it meant that any person, program or teaching that threatens the spiritual growth of the body must be removed. For the individual, any relationship, practice, or activity that leads to sin should be stopped. It would be better to go to heaven with one hand than to hell with both, but sin of course affect our mind and hearts, not our body parts. If anything hinders us from entering the kingdom, we must get rid of it. Sin has serious consequences. It is not all right to do something that the world allows. We need to do a periodic check up of our spiritual walk. We need to check our heart attitude, our motive, our desire, what we do, how we spend our time. It is good to keep our priorities straight. We are to think on things above, and renew our mind. Just as a shepherd is concerened enough about one lost sheep, God is concerned about every human being. We should too.
THE REMOVAL OF OFFENCES. 18:15-20
If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have all the desired effect with a true Christian, and the parties would be reconciled. The principles of these rules may be practiced every where, and under all circumstances, though they are too
much neglected by all.
These are Jesus' guidelines for dealing with those who sin against us. They are meant for believers not unbelievers, sins committed against you and not others, and conflict resolution within the church not the community. They are not license to start a gossip campaign.
We are to help our fellow pilgrims through this journey. We are to go to them privately before we tell any one else. If they won't listen or change their action, we are to bring two or three others. If they still won't repent, have a change of mind, then we are to take it before the church. The idea is to try to get them to see the error of their ways and be willing to take steps toward change, asking God's forgiveness and help to change. If they won't respond to the leaders of the church, then two or three are to gather in prayer and pray about this person. Whatever they decide, God will go along with. It will be as if He were there agreeing with them. This verse is often misquoted, by not looking at the context in which it is used. The church must practice discipline. A rotten apple can have serious consequences. The individual is not helped by being allowed to contine in fellowship while practicing sin. This is like saying, I accept you as you are, have a nice trip to hell.
At this time there was not a 'church'. This would not pertain to the synagogue. The term church would pertain to any gathering of believers, the called out ones. He is to be treated as a Gentile and a tax collector. In Duet. 19:15, we read that only on witness of two or three should a matter be confirmed, then it is relaiable. In 1 Cor. 5:1-5 -immorality among you, should have been removed from your midst. "I've decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh so that his spirt may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".
2 Thess. 3:6- We command you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly, undisciplined life.
Matt. 7:1-5 - Dont' judge wrongly. For in the way you judge, you will be judged. Take the log out of your own eye, then you can clearly see to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Matt. 16:19- whatever you bind or loose on earth will have been bound or loosed in heaven- God's will has already been determined in heaven. Once the church got involved, two or three would gather to hear the matter. In prayer they would seek the Holy Spirit about what the sin is and how it should be dealt with. If they agreed, then it was as if God was agreeing with them. His will would be done on earth. It was better for the person to be sent away from the church and with hopes that he would see the error of his ways. He would be able to return if he repented. God would now take over the matter. God has the final say in the matter of judging a man's heart.
CONDUCT TOWARDS BRETHREN, THE PARABLE OF THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT. 18:21-35
Though we live wholly on mercy and forgiveness, we are backward to forgive the offences of our brethren. This parable shows how much provocation God has from his family on earth, and how untoward his servants are. There are three things in the parable: 1. The master's wonderful clemency. The debt of sin is so great, that we are not able to pay it. See here what every sin deserves; this is the wages of sin, to be sold as a slave. It is the folly of many who are under strong convictions of their sins, to fancy they can make God satisfaction for the wrong they have done him. 2. The servant's unreasonable severity toward his fellow-servant, notwithstanding his lord's clemency toward him. Not that we may make light of wronging our neighbour, for that is also a sin against God; but we should not aggravate our neighbour's wronging us, nor study revenge. Let our complaints, both of the wickedness of the wicked, and of the afflictions of the afflicted, be brought to God, and left with him. 3. The master reproved his servant's cruelty. The greatness of sin magnifies the riches of pardoning mercy; and the comfortable sense of pardoning mercy, does much to dispose our hearts to forgive our brethren. We are not to suppose that God actually forgives men, and afterwards reckons their guilt to them to condemn them; but this latter part of the parable shows the false conclusions many draw as to their sins being pardoned, though their after-conduct shows that they never entered into the spirit, or experienced the sanctifying grace of the gospel. We do not forgive our offending brother aright, if we do not forgive from the heart. Yet this is not enough; we must seek the welfare even of those who offend us. How justly will those be condemned, who, though they bear the Christian name, persist in unmerciful treatment of their brethren! The humbled sinner relies only on free, abounding mercy, through the ransom of the death of Christ. Let us seek more and more for the renewing grace of God, to teach us to forgive others as we hope for forgiveness from him.
The rabbi's taught that you should forgive, but only three times. Jesus said we should not even keep track. We are to always forgive.
In Bible times owing to debtors was a serous matter. Family members may be captured to work until the debt was paid off. The members may even be sold. The debtor may be thrown into prison and all his possessions sold. If it was not sufficient to pay the debt, he would remain in prison for life, unless his family could contribute to the debt. God has forgiven us a great debt. All of our debts, all our sins, have been erased off the books.
God has settled it. If God forgives that way, we are to also. God came while we were still sinners. We will come across sinners everywhere. Will you show mercy?
—Matthew Henry Concise
Additonal comments have been by me.
Chapter 19
Discussion about Divorce and Marriage
1 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went down to the region of Judea east of the Jordan River.2 Large crowds followed him there, and he healed their sick.3 Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?”4 “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’ 5 And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ 6 Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”7 “Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” they asked.8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended.9 And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful. ”10 Jesus’ disciples then said to him, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!”11 “Not everyone can accept this statement,” Jesus said. “Only those whom God helps.12 Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”
Jesus Blesses the Children
13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”15 And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.
The Rich Man
16 Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”18 “Which ones?” the man asked.And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely.19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”20 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”22 But when the young man heard this, he went away very sad, for he had many possessions.23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.24 I’ll say it again—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 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”27 Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”28 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.30 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. Matt 19:1-30 (NLT)
Chapter 19
JESUS ENTERS JUDEA. 19:1,2
Great multitudes followed Christ. When Christ departs, it is best for us to follow him. They found him as able and ready to help elsewhere, as he had been in Galilee; wherever the Sun of Righteousness arose, it was with healing in his wings.
THE PHARISEES' QUESTION ABOUT DIVORCES. 19:3-12
The Pharisees were desirous of drawing something from Jesus which they might represent as contrary to the law of Moses. Cases about marriage have been numerous, and sometimes perplexed; made so, not by the law of God, but by the lusts and follies of men; and often people fix what they will do, before they ask for advice. Jesus replied by asking whether they had not read the account of the creation, and the first example of marriage; thus pointing out that every departure therefrom was wrong. That condition is best for us, and to be chosen and kept to accordingly, which is best for our souls, and tends most to prepare us for, and preserve us to, the kingdom of heaven. When the gospel is really embraced, it makes men kind relatives and faithful friends; it teaches them to bear the burdens, and to bear with the infirmities of those with whom they are connected, to consider their peace and happiness more than their own. As to ungodly persons, it is proper that they should be restrained by laws, from breaking the peace of society. And we learn that the married state should be entered upon with great seriousness and earnest prayer.
John the baptist had been put in prison in part because of his opinions on marriage and divorce. The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus. God institued marrige to be forever. There was only one plan (Duet. 24:1-4) We human beings can't seem to abide by the rules. We sem to break alot of them. It is an issue of the heart.
Jesus got to the heart of the matter when He responded to the question about being able to divorce your wife for any reason. Jesus knew where they were headed with this. Moses allowed divorce because of their hard hearts. He may have been protecting the wife from undue abuse. Moses had to set up some civil laws to protect the vulnerable women. Jesus is saying that if your heart is right, then your marriage will be right also.
The disiciples thought that it was better to not marry then. Jesus brought out the point, that some are better off not married. If they are able to control their desires and passions, then to stay single and be free to do the work of the Lord is a good thing. Some people have physical limitations and some just choose to stay single. God didn't say that everyone should marry. But if one can't control their passions, it is better to get married so Satan does not cause temptation leading to immorality. The times in which they lived were perilous. There was much persecution and suffering. It would be harder to stay faithful if you had to watch your wife or child tortured in front of your eyes. Paul alludes to that as well. There are good reasons not to get married. If you are not going to live the married life in fidelity, then it is better not to make a woman suffer in the marriage. That too leads to sin.
.
YOUNG CHILDREN BROUGHT TO JESUS. 19:13-15
It is well when we come to Christ ourselves, and bring our children. Little children may be brought to Christ as needing, and being capable of receiving blessings from him, and having an interest in his intercession. We can but beg a blessing for them: Christ only can command the blessing. It is well for us, that Christ has more love and tenderness in him than the best of his disciples have. And let us learn of him not to discountenance any willing, well-meaning souls, in their seeking after Christ, though they are but weak. Those who are given to Christ, as part of his purchase, he will in no wise cast out. Therefore he takes it ill of all who forbid, and try to shut out those whom he has received. And all Christians should bring their children to the Saviour that he may bless them with spiritual blessings.
of such is the kingdom of heaven.—Not of little children, but of such as little children. Neither the kingdom as it now is, nor the kingdom as it will be, is composed of little children, but in both states of its existence it is composed of persons with characters like theirs. (Comp. 18:1-6.) As, however, children are here made the models of those in the kingdom, it is quite certain that on account of their freedom from personal transgression they will be admitted unconditionally into the eternal kingdom.
The fortuitous coincidence of these two conversations has been noticed by the commentators generally. The little children, the offspring of happy wedlock, and a source of constant happiness to faithful husbands and wives, were brought into notice at the close of a conversation about divorce and about the supposed inconvenience of an indissoluble marriage bond. The pleasant incident served as a comment on the discussion, and left a better impression in reference to married life.
—Commentary on Matthew and Mark
The religous leaders let their stubborness stand in the way of simple faith.
THE RICH YOUNG MAN'S INQUIRY. 19:16-22
16. what good thing.—The man evidently thought that there was some one thing of merit so exalted that by doing it he would secure eternal life.
17. Why dost thou ask.—The words, "Why callest thou me good." were interpolated from Mark 10:18,
keep the commandments.—The reply, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments," was given from the standpoint of the law of Moses, under which the man was living. In the broadest sense of the word commandments, including the statutes concerning sacrifices for sin, this answer covered the entire ground of salvation under the law. From the point of view which obtained after the death and resurrection of Jesus, the answer would have been different, but still, obedience would have been required as a condition. (Comp. Acts 2:37, 38; 2 Thess. 1:8, et al.)
18, 19. Which?—The man still thought that some one commandment was preeminent, and he was greatly surprised, no doubt, when Jesus repeated the last six in the decalogue, substituting for "Thou shalt not covet," the equivalent, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." We suppose that he named the last six rather than the first four, because the six were then more frequently violated than the four, and obedience to them was on this account a better test of character.
20. The young man saith.—Here it first appears that the questioner was a young man. Farther on he appears also as a rich man. That both of these facts are introduced incidentally shows the want of formality which characterizes Matthew's descriptions. The young man's claim that he had kept all these commandments, was doubtless true so far as he knew his own heart and understood the import of the commandments. He thought that there must be something more in order to be certain of eternal life; hence his next question, "What lack I yet?" The bracketed words, "from my youth up," were interpolated from Mark 10:20.
21. If thou wilt be perfect.—That is, perfect in keeping the commandments and in securing eternal life. The commandment, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," does, in some instances, require the selling of one's possessions and distribution of all to the poor; and a perfect character is one which goes to the utmost limit of every requirement, leaving nothing undone which benevolence can suggest and our ability execute. This benevolent sacrifice would have made the young man perfect in reference to the commandments recited, and obedience to the additional command, "Come and follow me," would have brought him to the complete and final atonement for his sins, rendering him perfect in his preparation for eternal life.
22. he went away sorrowful.—That he went away sorrowful rather than angry, speaks well for the young man. A man of extreme avarice, or of little concern for eternal life, or of little faith in Jesus, would have been offended at the extravagance of the demand. His sorrow shows that he had respect for the authority of Jesus, that he really desired to seek eternal life under his guidance, and that it required a struggle to give up his purpose even for the sake of his great possessions. This is an example not of the worst class of rich men, but of that class whose love of their possessions barely preponderates over their desire to serve God with unswerving devotion.
About the Salvation of Rich Men, 19:23-26. (Mark 10:23-27; Luke 18:24-27) 23. shall hardly enter.—Shall with difficulty (δυσκόλως) enter; that is, it will be difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24. It is easier.—Here is indicated the extent of the difficulty declared in the previous verse. It is illustrated by the physical impossibility of a camel passing through the eye of a needle. The conceit, which originated I know not where that "the eye of a needle" here means a low and narrow gate through which the camel could not go except on his knees and after is burden had been removed, is not only without historical foundation, but is inconsistent with the context, which contemplates something impossible with men. (Verse 26.)
25. exceedingly amazed.—The amazement of the disciples must be considered in connection with the incident which gave rise to the astonishing remark. If they had been thinking of rich men who grind the poor and live licentiously, they would not have been surprised. But the case before their minds was that of a rich man who lacked only the one thing of being perfect. It was the statement that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for such a rich man to be saved, that amazed them and suggested the question, "Who then can be saved?"
26. With men... with God.—The remark, "With men this is impossible," refers primarily to the passage of a camel through a needle's eye; but it hints secondarily at the asserted difficulty of saving a rich man. Likewise, the declaration that "with God all things are possible," looks first to the case of the camel, and secondly to that of the rich man, but has chief reference to the latter. As it is possible for God, though impossible with men, to cause a camel to go through the eye of a needle; so it is possible with God, though a work in itself difficult, to save a rich man. The point of difficulty was seen in the case of the man who had just gone away—his disposition to esteem riches more highly than eternal life. This part of the lesson is more clearly developed in Mark 10:24.
—Commentary on Matthew and Mark
The rich man did not need to add another commandment. He need to submit humbly to the lordship of Christ. We are back to that childlike attitude of being humble, and put your total trust in God. Good deeds are not what He requires. Humble obedience, and quiet trust.
THE RECOMPENCE OF CHRIST'S FOLLOWERS. 19:23-30
Though Christ spoke so strongly, few that have riches do not trust in them. How few that are poor are not tempted to envy! But men's earnestness in this matter is like their toiling to build a high wall to shut themselves and their children out of heaven. It should be satisfaction to those who are in a low condition, that they are not exposed to the temptations of a high and prosperous condition. If they live more hardly in this world than the rich, yet, if they get more easily to a better world, they have no reason to complain. Christ's words show that it is hard for a rich man to be a good Christian, and to be saved. The way to heaven is a narrow way to all, and the gate that leads into it, a strait gate; particularly so to rich people. More duties are expected from them than from others, and more sins easily beset them. It is hard not to be charmed with a smiling world. Rich people have a great account to make up for their opportunities above others. It is utterly impossible for a man that sets his heart upon his riches, to get to heaven. Christ used an expression, denoting a difficulty altogether unconquerable by the power of man. Nothing less than the almighty grace of God will enable a rich man to get over this difficulty. Who then can be saved? If riches hinder rich people, are not pride and sinful lusts found in those not rich, and as dangerous to them? Who can be saved? say the disciples. None, saith Christ, by any created power. The beginning, progress, and perfecting the work of salvation, depend wholly on the almighty power of God, to which all things are possible. Not that rich people can be saved in their worldliness, but that they should be saved from it. Peter said, We have forsaken all. Alas! it was but a poor all, only a few boats and nets; yet observe how Peter speaks, as if it had been some mighty thing. We are too apt to make the most of our services and sufferings, our expenses and losses, for Christ. However, Christ does not upbraid them; though it was but little that they had forsaken, yet it was their all, and as dear to them as if it had been more. Christ took it kindly that they left it to follow him; he accepts according to what a man hath. Our Lord's promise to the apostles is, that when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, he will make all things new, and they shall sit with him in judgement on those who will be judged according to their doctrine. This sets forth the honour, dignity, and authority of their office and ministry. Our Lord added, that every one who had forsaken possessions or comforts, for his sake and the gospel, would be recompensed at last. May God give us faith to rest our hope on this his promise; then we shall be ready for every service or sacrifice. Our Saviour, in the last verse, does away a mistake of some. The heavenly inheritance is not given as earthly ones are, but according to God's pleasure. Let us not trust in promising appearances or outward profession. Others may, for aught we know, become eminent in faith and holiness.
—Matthew Henry Concise
Additional comments have been added by me.
There is something special here to take note of. Children are powerless, vulnerable, have no authroity, while the rich man, who was a ruler, had enough money to buy almost anything, he had influence, and he had authority. Our Lord said we are to be like the child. Childlike but not childish. We are to trust God, depend on Him, come to Him, serve Him, honor Him as God, and submit to His authority. If we try to save our own life by putting anything before God, then we will lose eternal life. Don't let anything become a stumbling block in your life. Is there anything that you enjoy more than doing something for the kingdom? Do you count on your income to support your daily living? Do you choose to work when you could be helping your at church or the community? Do you attend church just because you feel you need to keep your conscience clear? Do you do many good deeds, not realizing that you are trying to earn something? Do you enjoy having your weekends free to do something fun before you go back to work? Do you spend your money on entertainment?
This is a wakeup call to all of us. What do we put above God? If we are honest, we will come up with something, if not several things. We are very blessed in this nation. We really don't have to do without much. It is easy to put our hope in materialism, money, pampering ourselves, fame, or power to make us content. If our heart is not in the right place, we will end up like the rich man. He was not willing to give up his money and to seek the treasure of heaven. Think about it. You can't take your money with you past this life. Things will wear out, rust, and break down. What is life really about? Jesus knew about this man's weakness. We each have our own area of weakness. Maybe we have never been rich, or even had any money left over after payday. Maybe watching TV takes our heart away from God. There are many vices and habits that we can fall into. Is there anything that hinders your walk with the Lord? It is good to examine our lives periodically. We can so easily fall into a trap. I would think that if I had a great talent, (because I really don't) that I would have a hard time thinking more highly of myself than I should. When I find myself being filled with pride over something, I must step back and look at why I am patting myself on the back, or gloating about it. Any temptation that comes our way, can easily lead to sin. When sin has its hold on us, it is difficult to rid oursevles of it. Especially in addictions to something. The enemy ensnares us, and puts us in chains. It is very hard to break free. It is important how we walk out this life. Be innocent, kind hearted, trusting, reliant, and loving of the Lord God. He told us to call Him Father. No one in the Old Testament could call Him Father. Our relationship with God has been able to become one as a child to a Father, because of God's Son removing the sin that kept us apart. We are now God's adopted children if we have accepted the reedeming work of Jesus Christ.
We must be willing to live life the way God says to live it. He is our Creator and designed us to live according to His design so that we may have great blessings. We don't have to earn it. We don't deserve it. He loves us and wants us to have an abundant life here, not necessarily materialy or physically. We are promised protection from evil. God is stronger than any evil influence that could come against us. I would take that over a million dollars any day. The condition of our soul matters most of all. You have to live as God intended; a life of holiness and purity. Let God mold you. We have authority in the name of Jesus over all demonic activity. The Holy Spirit is with us, and God protects us. He does not give us a spirit of fear. I don't like it when I worry about the future, or about some problems that have come my way. I will take the peace of knowing that God is in control and filters everything that comes into my life, over having fame or authroity. The things of this earth are temporary. God knows what we have need of. We most likely only injure oursevles when we try to please ourself. God's grace will transform us everyday, if we recieve what He has. Matthew has shown us what living in the kingdom is like. Are you the child or the rich man?
When we read about Jesus' answer to Peter, we see that those who seek the kingdom of God first, will recieve so much more than any of us could imagine. Eternal life is worth giving up everything to have. If we have given up anything, we will recieve something much greater. We will sit on the throne in heaven.
Where does your heart stand?
Will you put God first?