Scripture to Read: Luke 18:22-23
The ruler who came to Jesus was trying to figure out how to earn eternal life. He was already considered rich by the world’s standard, so he probably figured he could gain the riches of eternity by his effort too. But Jesus rocked the rich rulers’ “self-effort” mentality. We read in Luke 18:22–23, “When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.” Jesus went straight for the ruler’s heart. Jesus knew the ruler was in love with his riches and that those riches were his god. The ruler had to be willing to die to his fleshly desires and choose to love God with all his heart. Notice the ruler’s response; he was sad, but not broken, not repentant, and seemingly unwilling to follow through on what Jesus said he must do. When we share Christ with others, they must understand that following Christ will cost them everything. Jesus paid for their sin debt on the cross and they can add nothing to that. But they must still be willing to die to their fleshly desires and surrender completely to our Lord Jesus Christ in all areas of their lives. Jesus laid out the cost of following Him in Matthew 10:24–39 and Luke 14:25–33. Just as the ruler had to choose his God, that same choice must be made by everyone.
Challenge & Application
What did the ruler lack, and what choice did he have to make?
Why is it hard for people to surrender to Christ as Lord, and how are you choosing to walk with Him daily?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!