John: Putting Belief Into PracticeSample

“We raised her in church, but we didn’t raise her in Christ.” These words are chilling. These are the words of the father from today’s video clip. They are his profound explanation for why his daughter walked away from God.

In Matthew 19, Jesus meets a variety of different people. We glimpse the diverse questions and needs people brought to him. Verses 1 and 2 tell us that “he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.” Then the next several paragraphs of the chapter show Jesus speaking with Pharisees, blessing children (and by default meeting their parents), and finally speaking with a rich young man—someone most Christian scholars believe was likely from the aristocracy of the day.

So, this chapter shows Jesus interacting with the religious rulers and culture makers, everyday families, and the wealthy aristocracy, plus all of the sick or infirm that needed healing (vs. 2). To each person, Jesus taught and modeled life in the kingdom of God. Through his sacrifice, wisdom, and love, he showed them what it means to be “in Christ,” something the girl in today’s video clip missed.

The last episode in Matthew 19 is often called “The Rich Young Ruler.” This man, who presumably had access to any possession he might need, asked Jesus, “What good thing must I do to get eternal life? … What do I lack?” (vv. 16 & 20). After a short conversation, Jesus says, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (v. 21). The man, unable to make this sacrifice, went away sad. We’re left to wonder if he ever learned to follow Jesus.

The overarching theme of Matthew 19 is that the kingdom of God, while not exclusive, is all-consuming. It’s not something you can buy like the rich man wanted. It’s not something added to the life you want to live. The kingdom defines your life.[1]

All of us have the potential to walk away from the kingdom of God. This happens when, like the rich man, we can’t give up something else. We try to duck the all-consuming nature of the kingdom and keep something comfortable for ourselves on the side.

Instead, let go of those things. As Jesus demonstrates in this passage, live a life of serving God and giving to others. This is life in the kingdom of God.

[1] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 98.

Reflection

Think about who you will interact with today. How can you show them the love of God?

What is your response to the story pastor Kyle Idleman shared in the video?

What things would you struggle to give away if you felt like God was asking you to do so?

Prayer

Dear God, I admit that the call to follow Jesus is hard sometimes. It’s hard to let go of the things that make me feel secure. Thank you, Lord, for staying with me, even when I wrestle with following you. Help me to live today “in Christ.” Amen.