March 11, 2010
A CHRISTIANITY YOU CAN'T FAKE
Matthew 19:13-30
Graham Shelby
Central Truth
If we think that we can impress God with our wealth or works as a basis for getting into heaven, we are wrong! We must put our trust in Christ and find our security in Him.
Key Verse | Matthew 19:21–22
Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. (Matthew 19:21-22)
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.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 19:13-30
So many times I misunderstand the magnitude of God's love.
Similar to the elder brother in the parable of the lost son (Luke 15), I often focus my relationship with God on work. I think that if I do all the right things, God will love me more. With that mindset, I become the "ideal" Christian.
"I have it all together," I assure myself, as I frown upon those who don't. As Jesus begins to disappear from my life, and I lose all sense of dependency on His love, I begin to realize my attitude may be misguided and less than ideal.
A man who had it all together met his match when he questioned Jesus on how to receive eternal life. He had obeyed the commandments and was known as a righteous guy who had all the answers. Yet, when he was told to sell all he had and follow Jesus with nothing but faith, he went away sad because his heart belonged to his wealth, position, and security. And not to Christ.
This man felt secure in himself because he was clothed in recognition and superior status. He left feeling defeated because he knew his sense of security and dependency was on everything but Jesus. He knew he couldn’t follow Jesus fully because he still wanted to be in control of his life. He was unwilling to sell his security for salvation.
When you serve another master, you can’t expect to receive fully the contentment and joy you receive from serving God. Jesus doesn’t just want us to follow a set of rules; He wants our hearts.
Being all in means following Christ even when it is uncomfortable. God does not want us to follow Him just when it is convenient. The true test of faith is following Him when it is a threat to our security, status, or even our life.
Are you willing to give Jesus everything? Or are you satisfied with serving Him leftovers? The risk is great, but the reward is even greater.
Discussion Questions
1. What sacrifices have you made to follow Jesus? Is following God a risk for you at all?
2. Have you judged others, thinking they were two-faced and not representing Christ well? What action have you taken recently that misrepresented Christ?
3. Read Isaiah 64:6. How many times have you tried to have God or others notice your good deeds?
4. What has God taught you and shown you about His holiness in comparison to your sinfulness this week?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How did Jesus feel about children? Did He spend time with them?
2. How can you make time to spend with Jesus today?