Happy Monday! The Lord remains faithful in His love for us. Enjoy this one of a two part review of the parable of the Rich and the Kingdom of God.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 19:16-20 NLT
“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, keepthe 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.’[Exodus 20:12-16, Deuteronomy 5:16-20, Leviticus 19:18]”

20 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?””

REFLECTION
Let’s trace this question and answer session:

• The first question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” and Jesus’ response was to keep the commandments.

• The second question: “Which ones?” and. Jesus replied with commandments 5-9.

• The third question: “What else must I do?”

This parable has at least two titles, “instructions for the rich”, “the rich man” and maybe one more. However, the main concern, this man had was, “what must I do (works) to have eternal life?”. Of course there is more to this parable that we will finish tomorrow, but for now I want us to ponder on the question “what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

From my view point, this rich man may have had many things, but the one thing that he knew he needed and did not have was the assurance (or insurance) of eternal life.

Today, if you are questioning ‘what you must do to have eternal life,’ then let me share Romans chapter 3:10-20 NLT.

As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one.
11 No one is truly wise;  no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.”
13 “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.”
“Snake venom drips from their lips.”
14“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “They rush to commit murder.
16 Destruction and misery always follow them.
17 They don’t know where to find peace.”
18 “They have no fear of God at all.”
19 Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. 20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.”

Here’s the glorious party of Romans chapter 3.

21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.”

What the rich man didn’t know is that He was standing in the presence of God. He didn’t know that Jesus was the key to his eternal life. Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is the key to our eternal life. He came for us. Do you believe this?

PRAYER
Father God, in the name of Jesus we come in prayer asking for forgiveness of our sins. Lord, we believe you came and died on the cross for our sins, so that we may have eternal life. Lord, we accept and receive you as the Lord of our lives. Lord, work in us and change us to be more like you. Lord, remove the doubts and bitter roots in our heart so that we may fully serve you. Lord, whatever is holding us back from living an abundant life in you, release it from our grip and show us how to live a life in You. Lord, remove our fears and set us free from the things that try to take Your place in our lives. Build us up and show us how to follow you with all our heart. In Jesus name, amen.

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