Our purpose and design is to glorify God.
That which Glorifies God is what Magnifies Jesus and dignifies humans.
All this is done through the power of the Holy Spirit. Resulting in Lives Changed By Christ.
Jesus calls us to follow Him.
Join us in this year long study in the Life of Jesus by visiting here or join the email list at
https://groups.google.com/g/magnify-jesus for emails.
Jesus Teaches About Serving Others
Matthew 20:20-28
Mark 10:35-45
James and John
Ask for Prominent Places in Jesus’ Kingdom
Matthew 20:20–28; Mark 10:35–45
Mk 10:35Then James
and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Him and said, “Teacher, we want
You to do something for us if we ask You” [Mt 20:20Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons approached
Him with her sons. She knelt down to ask Him for something].
36“What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked them.
37“Grant us,” they answered Him, “that we may sit at Your right and at Your left† in Your glory [Mt 20:21bPromise … that these two sons of mine may
sit, one on Your right and the other on Your left, in Your kingdom].”
38But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you
able to drink the cup I drink, or to
be baptized with the baptism†
I am baptized with?”
39a“We are able,” they told
Him.
39bBut Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will
be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. 40But to sit at My
right or left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been
prepared [Mt 20:23bthose for
whom it has been prepared by My Father].” 41When the other ten disciples heard this, they
began to be indignant with James and John [Mt 20:24bbecame indignant with the two brothers].
42And Jesus called them over
and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the
Gentiles dominate them, and their men of high positions exercise power over
them. 43But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary,
whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44and
whoever wants to be first among you must be a slave to all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.”[1]
Series: Be Different “Making
Transformative Moves” Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of
this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind.
Opening
Thoughts: What if your
purpose in life was rooted in service to others and to God rather than to
self? To be different means to
continually refocus your purpose on serving, not being served.
vService over Self
§“Full
Service”
·Gas
stations
·“It’s human, we all put self-interest first.” -Euripides, ancient Greek playwright
·“The cost of leadership is self-interest.” -Simon Sinek, author and speaker
§“Serve
one another humbly in love” –
Galatians 5:13
§“Let
your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify
your Father in heaven” –
Matthew 5:16
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to
Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at
your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus
said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink
from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These
places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
24 When the ten heard about this, they were
indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus
called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles
lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead,
whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and
whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just
as the Son of Man did
not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a
ransom for many.”
Summarize the main
story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.
vReview and
retell the story.
Reflections
for applications:
vActions:
Join a ministry team
vGalatians
5:13b-15 …serve one
another humbly in love.14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one
command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you
will be destroyed by each other.
Digging
Questions:
·How
will you respond in being different? What transformative move needs to be made?
·What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?
·What is God calling us to do?
Take Away Challenges
·What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in
this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
·Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
·What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What
beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
Luke 22:31-38
John 13:31-38
Jesus Predicts
That His Disciples Will Deny Him
Matthew 26:31–35; Mark 14:27–31; Luke
22:31–38; John 13:31–38
Mt 26:31–32Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight all of
you will fall because of Me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32But after I have
been resurrected, I will go ahead of you to Galilee. Lk 22:31–32“Simon,
Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift
you like wheat. 32But I
have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have
turned back, strengthen your brothers†.”
Lk 22:33“Lord,” he told Him, “I’m ready to go
with You to prison and to death!”
Jn 13:36bJesus answered, “Where I am going you
cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.”
Jn 13:37“Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow
You now? I will lay down my life for You!”
Jn 13:38aJesus replied, “Will you lay down your
life for Me?”
Mt 26:33Peter told Him, “Even if everyone falls
because of You, I will never fall!”
34“I assure you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight—[Mk 14:30btoday, this very night] before the
rooster crows [Mk 14:30bbefore
the rooster crows twice]—you will deny Me three times!”
Mk 14:31But he kept insisting, “If I have to die
with You, I will never deny You!” And they all said the same thing.
Lk 22:35aHe also said to them, “When I sent you
out without money-bag, backpack, or sandals, did you lack anything?”
35b“Not a thing,” they said.
36Then He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money-bag should take
it, and also a backpack. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe
and buy one. 37For I tell you, what is written must be fulfilled in
Me: ‘And He was counted among the outlaws.’ Yes, what is written about Me is
coming to its fulfillment.”
38a“Lord,” they said, “look, here are two swords.”
Video Watch Jesus' Upper Room Teaching on @YouVersion.: The disciples argue about who is the greatest among them. Jesus says the greatest must be like the youngest and the leader like the servant. God allows Satan to test people, to separate the good from the bad. Jesus predicts Peter will deny him.
God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
OPEN:
What trait do you share with other family members?
DIG:
Why did Jesus wait until Judas had gone to share the message in John 13:31-35?
What does he call the disciples to do (John 13:34)?
What type of person is Peter (John 13:6-9, 36-37)? How do you think he felt after John 13:38?
REFLECT:
How do your good intentions compare to Peter's?
On a scale from 1 to 10, how does your church rank against the standard of love? How could you increase its score?
"Dying
to Live"
“Then
Jesus answered, ‘Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the
truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!’” (John 13:38)
The
question Jesus posed to Peter is a question for every Christian to ponder. It
is posed throughout the Bible in many ways, but it takes you to the baseline of
being a follower of Christ: Are you willing to put Jesus ahead of everything in
your life – including your life?
Peter
flippantly answered Jesus in the affirmative only to prove himself wrong
multiple times thereafter. The value of this question is that it takes you to the core of discipleship – making Jesus
Lord of your life.
Making
Jesus Lord is the gateway for experiencing all that Christ has for you. John
12:24-25 figuratively describes what happens: “I tell you the truth, unless a
kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.
But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose
it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal
life.”
Three
things result from dying to self: 1) You produce fruit (many seeds) 2) You
experience abundantlife now; and 3) You will
experience eternal life when you physically die. As you look at your life, do
you see God’s multiplying life in and through you or is your life in the
world’s straight-jacket?
What
does an inventory of your life look like? On one side of the ledger are items
you are willing to totally surrender to Jesus, while on the other side are
items you are not willing to surrender. This process can quickly become very
legalistic and exhausting.
The
point is not if the ledger favors Christ or you, but where is your heart? Is your heart captured by Jesus or the world?
Is your heart captivated and exhilarated by Christ or by your desires? Does the
ledger reveal a heart controlled by you or Christ?
No
one except Jesus has achieved a clean ledger. Jesus knew the condition of man’s
heart before He came, lived, and died for you. Your ability to live totally for
Jesus is dependent upon you learning to be reliant on Him. It is through dying
to self that the Holy Spirit can thrive in your life. Be willing to step off
the throne of your life and into the power and work of the Holy Spirit. It is
out of death that your life will flourish!
John
14:12-14 “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have
been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to
the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may
bring glory to the Father.”
"The Debt of Love"
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing
debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
(Romans 13:8)
This verse
is so radical that it demands you to rethink your relationships and your
approach to people.
Do you
interact with others to receive love or to give
love? Do you carry anger or love towards people with whom you work or people in
your home? Do the offenses of others control your relationships or does your
love for them control those relationships? Does your hectic schedule blind you
to the needs of those around you?
Are the
people you interact with daily merely inconsequential acquaintances or do they
represent continuous opportunities to show Christ’s love?
Do those
with whom you have a relationship experience love and concern from you or are
they merely people to be used?
What if you
are taken advantage of or treated unfairly? Do you feel justified in seeking
revenge or at least in turning away from them? Or do you choose to let love
make a difference?
No matter
what the relationship or circumstances, God says your number one priority is to
love Him and love others. Your job is not to carry a debt of anger, revenge,
hard feelings, inflicting pain on others, misunderstanding, insensitivity, and unfairness,
but a “debt of love.”
Your actions and responses should allow Christ’s
love to shine through
you. This type of lifestyle requires you to let go and just let God be God. The
needs of others in the divine realm are more important than the needs you have.
Your natural response might scream for justice, but God says, “Justice
is mine.”
Do not allow the world’s ways to replace God’s way. Don’t exchange the love of God for the
love of self. Have only “a debt of love,” and let it compel you through life.
Romans
14:13, “Therefore
let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to
put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
John 13:34-35,“A new
command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one
another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one
another.”
Consider:
•With
whom do you feel like you have a debt of anger, revenge, or hard feelings? How
can you allow God to reclaim that debt and restore love?
•What
are some tangible ways you can be more loving to those around you?
God is ... What do we learn about God in this
passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this
passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in
this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel
free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of
this.
OPEN
Describe a time in your childhood when someone tattled on you.
DIG
How is this situation a trap for Jesus? What would the Pharisees accuse Jesus of if he told them to let her go? If he told them to stone her? How does he spring the trap (v. 7)?
How would the woman just caught in adultery have felt? What was the significance of Jesus' question in verse 10?
How does Jesus' response to the woman exemplify "grace and truth" (1:17)?
REFLECT
How does the way Jesus treated this woman help you face your sins?
Jesus accepts you "as is." Does that free you to change, or does it support your bad behavior? How so?
What can you learn from Jesus about helping a friend who has fallen?
Some sinners the religious people wanted to write them off. Jesus wanted to write sinners into his story.
You see, religion places lost people on the outside and we build walls. Relationships place lost people on the inside. We are called to build bridges.
Self-righteous people are seldom aware of their judgmental spirit. I saw this some time ago. I think it says it maybe better than I can say it.
A man fell into a pit and he couldn't get himself out:
A subjective person came along and said I feel for you down there
An objective person came along and said it's logical that someone would fall down there
A Christian scientist came along and said you only think you're in a pit
The pharisee came along and said only bad people fall into a pit
The news reporter came along and wanted an extensive story on the pit
A fundamentalist said you deserve your pit
A Calvinist said if you were saved, you had never fallen into the pit
A Wesleyan said you were saved and you still fell in the pit
A charismatic said just confess you're not in the pit
A realist came along and said oh – now that's a pit
A geologist came along and appreciated the rock strata of the pit
An IRS man came along and asked if he was paying taxes on the pit
A county inspector asked if he had a special permit to be in the pit
A self-pitying person said you haven't seen anything until you've seen my pit
The Las Vegas gamblers said chances are anyone could fall into the pit
The optimist said things could be worse
A pessimist said things will get worse
Jesus saw the man in the pit, reached down his hand, and took him out.
I would hope God is talking to your heart and two things are happening. First, I would hope that we who are Christ followers begin to see the big picture. That we value everyone as part of God's creation. He values everyone. Second, if you're not a person of faith and you don't have a relationship with God -- I hope that today as you're reading this, that you would feel valued. Because I want you to know, that God loves you so much that He gave his only son Jesus for you and me.
Jim McGuiggan examines John 8 and the events of the woman taken in adultery. What can we learn from this? How did Jesus handle the woman's situation? Do we love others as Jesus loved this woman? What should a person do when they sin again by doing the same evil deed? How does God feel about this? Jim reflects on this passage and provides some insight for each of us.
Jesus Speaks to the Rich Young Man Matthew 19:27-30
Mark 10:28-31
Luke 18:18-30
What is your ideal annual salary?
God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
What does the ruler's question in Luke 18:18 imply about his viewpoint on eternal life? What is Jesus' point in his response in Luke 18:19? Considering the man's religious obedience, what is ironic about Luke 18:23-25?
Since wealth was commonly considered a sign of God's blessings, what was the problem for the disciples in Luke 18:26?
Why is it so difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom? On what basis is it possible for anyone, rich or poor, to enter?
What is the way into the kingdom according to Luke 18:27-30? How do the children in Luke 18:15-17 reflect this attitude better than the rich man?
In this passage how are these four concepts connected: salvation, discipleship, entering the kingdom of heaven and inheriting eternal life?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
Jesus hit this man where it hurt -- in his wallet. If Jesus were to address you where it hurts, what would be his hot topic?
Are you more like the ruler or the children in how you approach God? Why?
Why is Jesus so tough on riches?
What has helped you see the impossibility of earning the kingdom? As a result, how have you experienced the gift of the kingdom like Luke 18:29-30?
What have you given up to follow Jesus? How is your life different as a result?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Knowing Sacrifice and Reward
Changing your life can require great sacrifice. Giving up old habits and things you love and feel attached to takes practice, patience, and true dedication to your goal. If you occasionally lose sight of why you're struggling, remember that nothing great is ever accomplished without risk or effort. When you reach your goal, the rewards — both physical and spiritual — will make up for all you gave up. In fact, you'll feel richer and more fulfilled than ever before.
Jesus said, Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. (Mark 10: 29–30). Jesus Heals Ten Men with Leprosy
Luke 17:11-19
=========
Mark 10:26‐27 ‐‐ “The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each
other, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this
is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’"
The disciples made a common
mistake in their relationship with God by interpreting and seeing God through
their human point of view. When you
become a follower of Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit along with the
promises of God.
2 Peter 1:4 says, “Through these He has given us His very great and
precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine
nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
Unfortunately you limit
God’s work in your life when you embrace God’s promises through your own
limitations. When you do this you tend
to pray without real expectation, you ask with your decisions and plans already
made, and you interact with others believing God will not actively work in the
relationship. It is easy for our
humanity to callous our spirit from walking in active faith and believing
God.
Live a life of faith. Believe big, walk with Christ in a powerful
way, and trust God to act in you.
Ephesians 3:20 says,“Now to him
who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to
his power that is at work within us.” Have the
attitude of Mary when she was confronted with the impossible: “‘I am the Lord's servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said’"(Luke 1:38).
Hebrews 11:6 ‐‐“And without faith it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards
those who earnestly seek Him.”
===================
Rich Young Ruler
Matthew 19:16-30
Matthew 19:16-30 = Young Mark 10:17-31 Luke 18:18-30 = Ruler
Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. "You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, ' 'Do not murder, ' 'Do not steal, ' *'Do not bear false witness, ' 'Do not defraud, ' 'Honor your father and your mother. '" And he answered and said to 'Him, "Teacher, all these"!'~have~observed from my youth." Then Jesus,* looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." But he was sad at this word, and went away grieved, for he had great possessions. NKJV - (Mark 10:17-22)
THE PRICE IS (NOT) RIGHT? —Ted Kell
"...'All these I have kept,' the young man said. 'What do I still lack?' Jesus answered, '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." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth."Matthew 19:20-22.
The scene was remarkable: "As Jesus started on his way, .a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher,' he asked, 'what must I do to be inherit eternal life?"1 (Mark 10:17) Matthew reports he was a "young" man with "great wealth". Luke records that he was a "ruler". It was indeed a "rich, young, ruler" on his knees before God asking how to "inherit eternal life." Have you ever seen such a scene?
Jesus' reply was devastating. "Sell...give...follow..." It was much - at least in the young man's opinion. Even in exchange for eternal life, and "treasure in heaven", the price was not right!
Nor was this young man the last person to decide that Jesus asks too much. A multitude, filled with loaves and fishes, "intended to make him king by force..." But when the Lord had challenged them beyond today's food to "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood" or "you have no life in you", they, too, stumbled. "On hearing it, many of his disciples said, 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept?' ...From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." (John 6:15, 53, 60, 66.) Sadly, they preferred satisfied stomachs to saved souls. Peter rightly asked, "'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'" (vs. 68,69.)
What is it to us today that we will not surrender to gain eternal life? A worldly friend drawing us back? A job advancement that compromises our zeal? A secret pleasure that stains our soul? Our "do it my way" independence that will not submit? A desire for easy spiritual growth without the discipline of prayers, study, and service to others?
Does the Lord require too much of us? The rich young ruler thought so on that day he knelt before Jesus. What do you think he might say to us now? God asks of us just what He gave Himself - all He had. There is no alternative.
"ON MAKING THE TOUGH CHOICE"
The "Rich Young Ruler" is known by all . . . he fascinates us, terrifies us! This is not the Jesus we would create. He loved this young man . .. He (some think) offered him an apostleship .. . He was brutally honest with him ... He, then, allowed him to leave. Did Jesus demand too much? Was Jesus unfair? Should He have followed him with further explanations? Must we all "sell out"? The shoe begins to pinch!We don't like this revelation about Jesus. Do we find ourselves making Jesus answer to us? This is love, tough love! We literally refuse to wrestle with the life issues found in the Rich Young Ruler. Let's observe and think. (1) He did keep the commands. Jesus commanded this. We all are under God's law. The first command is to keep the commands. He did! Jesus did not deny that. His resume beats mine! Commands keeping is necessary yet not all conclusive. One can be lost keeping commands. Legalism fails! All of us would be thrilled to have the Rich Young Ruler identify with us! (2) He failed! He walked away sorrowfully! Why? He refused to make the "Great Choice." So true ... yet so demanding! Why do we fail? Not because we don't go to church and do a few things —we fail to make the "tough choice." Repentance! Surrender! Death to self! Why cannot we lose weight? We resort to gimmicks —not self control. Why cannot we control our anger, hate, etc.? Because we do not allow the new birth, the new heart, the new creation! We do some things wondrously well—yet fail to make the life/death choice! (3) "What would make me (the local church, too) grow?" This is not the right question. Anything of God naturally grows. "What is keeping me from growing?" This is the right question. Tough choices! There are things I must cease . . . there are things I must do. We try to baptize folk —we ought to command repentance. There is much more to salvation than getting people wet. We demand too little! We are a crowd — will we become a church? We are satisfied with members —Christ demands disciples. Jesus allowed the crowds to leave . . . the Rich Young Ruler, too! Make the BIG decision —the little ones will take care of themselves!
CHILDREN AND THE RICH YOUNG RULER --Charles Hodge
This is a Bible study... familiar scripture must be read more closely. Read Mark 10:13-22. This must be read to profit from this article. Children were brought to Jesus. The disciples tried to "run them off." Jesus rebuked the disciples. Then Jesus taught about the merits of child-likeness. In this context (scripture must be read in context) came the Rich Young Ruler. Don't read verses separately. Don't lift verses from context. Jesus blessed the children; Jesus conversed with the Rich Young Ruler. Jesus tied them together. We seldom do. Jesus gave lessons concerning children: (1) They are simple. (2) They are teachable. (3) They respond in trustful obedience.
The Rich Young Ruler has to be evaluated from the principles learned from children. (1) He was not simple. He wanted that "special knowledge/command." He wanted mysticism, "deep spirituality," something limited only to the extra-pious. To simply keep the commands was too simple. He wanted the "big commands" not the simple daily attitudes. (2) He was not teachable. He did-not hear what he came to hear. "Itching ears" (1 Timothy 4) are a problem with us all. Jesus probed the depths of this man's soul — are you really interested in learning? (3) He could not obey. The Jews thought possessions indicated God's honor of our lives. The man had "possession problems." He thought his wealth was his — not God's. Material possessions have always been the acid test for man. The Rich Young Ruler flunked! Jesus said all of us must become as little children. The Rich Young Ruler could not become a little child. So far as I know — he went to hell. =====================
When you read the New Testament you cannot help but realize how relevant it's message is to everyday life! Jesus never said or did^ anything that was not full of purpose and meaning. Let's look at the scripture we just read.... In the religious world today great emphasis has been placed on the teaching that Jesus is Savior. Rightly so! Because we are sinners we need saving. Yet, so much emphasis is placed on the saving power of Jesus ....may be we have forgotten He also came to be Lord. The problem is wide spread in our day, but it even existed in Jesus day. A young man, who happened to be rich, approaches Jesus with this question, "What do I do to be saved?" Jesus' answer is simple and direct, "Obey the commandments!" The young man is relieved to know he is already doing this. But Jesus continues on, "Sell your possessions, give to the poor, follow me!" The Scripture tells us that the young man leaves Jesus because he wouldn't give up his material wealth. The situation is summed up this way - the young man wanted a Savior, but not a Lord. He wanted salvation, yet desired to remain in control of his own life. And Jesus said that was impossible. The message is clear. If we accept Christ as Savior, we must also accept Him as Lord., That's the whole, complete Gospel. We need to preach it and teach it! Even more We need to live it. Most of us thru obedience have made Jesus our Savior. Have we made Him our Lord? He leaves the decision to us. He won't force His Lordship on us. But let's be honest about this - if He is to be our Savior, He must become our Lord. He must have control of our lives. Think about. Read the scriptures above. Let's make Jesus Lord of our lives. =====================
One Thing You Lack
"As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. 'Good teacher,' he asked, 'what must I do to inherit eternal life?' 'Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered. 'No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother."Teacher,' he declared, 'all these I have kept since I was a boy.' Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth."(Mark 10:17-22) The kind of lifestyle God expects of His people has become quite a controversial topic in the church today. In recent years many churches of Christ have seen the need to be more committed to the restoration of New Testament Christianity in every area of the Christian life while other churches have misunderstood, and therefore oppose, this "new" commitment. The mere fact that commitment is a topic of discussion and study should not of itself alarm us because every Biblical topic should be studied in every generation. However, that it has become so controversial reflects a serious misunderstanding about the kind of life the early Christians lived as well as an unbiblical concept some have regarding commitment. One of the most enlightening passages of Scripture on this subject is found in Mark 10:17-29 where Jesus' conversation with a rich young man is recorded. Jesus had conversations with many people during his lifetime but this one is especially significant because of the great lessons we can learn about the kind of life we need to be living. The Christian Life Involves Every Area of Our Lives. To most people this young man was doing great spiritually. In fact, the disciples were amazed at Jesus' assessment of his spiritual condition (vs. 24). However, in God's sight the neglect of one spiritual area is a serious matter. Jesus told this young man, "One thing you lack." "One thing" can make all the difference in our spiritual lives. Literally it can be the difference between heaven and hell. Obedience in one area of the Christian life will never outweigh our disobedience in other areas. Though God is patient with us in our weaknesses, he expects us to live obedient lives. This man had proven himself in many areas but had neglected the one area most important to his salvation. The Christian Life is a Life of Denial. In this particular situation the man had let his wealth keep him from living a committed life and as a result was without eternal life. That is why Jesus told him to "Go, sell everything you have...." The implication for us is not necessarily an abandonment of life's possessions but rather that the command of self-denial be obeyed whatever the cost. (Luke 14:25-33) The irony of this man's refusal is seen in Jesus' promise that "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age...and in the age to come, eternal life." (Mark 10:29-30) The very thing the young man was unwilling to give up could have been multiplied a hundred times if he had trusted Jesus. A life of self-denial always brings greater returns. "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." (Luke 9:24) The Christian Life is a Possible Life. The tragedy of this situation is not found in Jesus' high expectations for this man's life as the disciples supposed. The real tragedy is in the man's refusal to see the real possibility of living the kind of life Jesus expects. The same refusal exists today. Many churches and individual Christians are arguing against commitment instead of realizing the possibility and blessings of living committed Christian lives. The false doctrine that total commitment is an impossible commitment can be overcome with faith in God's power. Jesus, recognizing fully the degree of commitment he was calling for and the inability of man alone to achieve it stated,"With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27) Let us be sure that we do not let "one thing" keep us from the many rewards that come from committed Christian living, "...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1)
