Matthew 19:16 – 22 ESV And behold, a man came up to him saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 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.” He said to Him, “Which one?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and you shall love you neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus’ answer to the man’s question in the passage above is interesting, in that it is wrong, at least at first glance. The man asks what he must due to get, meaning earn, eternal life, and Jesus tells him to obey the commandments. When the man asks for specifics, Jesus throws out half a dozen commands from the Jewish scriptures (Old Testament). However, there is no way to earn eternal life.
Eternal life is a free gift that comes as a result of our relationship with God. So, why did Jesus give the man an incorrect answer? Because Jesus knew what the man needed. The man already lived an outwardly pious life. He was self-disciplined enough to keep the rules. But his heart belonged to an idol, his wealth.
As long as the man had money, God would never be first in the man’s life, so he would never have eternal life. Jesus showed the man what he needed. Surrendering his riches would not earn the man eternal life, but it would remove the idol that was blocking the man’s relationship with God.
Is God first in your life? It is worth examining our hearts on a regular basis to make sure that God has his rightful place.
Heavenly Father, give me wisdom and discernment to know if any idol has crept into my heart and threatens to hinder my relationship with You.