Matthew 19 has so much teaching that we need today. First Jesus talks about divorce and relates that God honors marriage. In Jesus day a woman could be divorce at the drop of a hat so to speak for any reason the husband was displeased. It didn't make for a secure relationship. Some teachers taught this was wrong while others taught that it was acceptable. Jesus reminded the disciples that from the beginning God made marriage to be a commitment that lasted.
The middle of the chapter brings a young man who wants to have eternal life and he ask Jesus what he must do. He seemed to have an a high opinion of himself and his abilities to keep the commandments. Jesus pressed further and said, "Sell all tha you have and give to the poor and follow me". Matthew adds that the young man went away sad because he had much weatlth. Some mistakenly think Jesus was saying everyone has to sell everything and be pennyless. Jesus was getting to the root of his problem...he trusted in his riches instead of God. His faith was in what He had and he didn't have care for the poor. Salvation is a gift and accepting Jesus is about loving God with your whole heart and mind. Jesus told the disciples that they would be blessed both in this life and in the life to come...so eternal life is not about buying a ticket....Jesus was pressing for this young mans willingness to give his all to God. He calls us today too...what do you trust most in?
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