And, behold, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? Matthew 19:16

The story about a young rich man and his conversation with Jesus, this man was pretty sure he was going to Heaven. But Jesus told him exactly what he needed to do to truly become his disciple.

And he said to him, Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments. He said to him, Which? Jesus said, You shall do no murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and your mother: and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 19:17-19

First Jesus went thru the Ten Commandments handed down by God, notice as Jesus said he didn’t come to abolish the law but fulfill it. Many Christians falsely believe the new covenant wiped out all the laws by God from the old covenant. Here Jesus clearly shows you he still expects us to follow those same laws.

The young man said to him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said to him, If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. Matthew 19:20-21

The young rich man was pretty holy and has been following Gods commandments since he was a kid, so he was pretty sure he was good to get himself into Heaven. But Jesus read his heart and told him how to be truly saved.

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:22

Why did the young rich man become so upset when Jesus told him to give it all away? It should be simple right? But this is exactly what Jesus is trying to teach us, you can’t serve two masters.

We become obsessed with material things that are just temporary, to the point where if Jesus said you could have eternal life if you just give up these things, we still can’t even walk away from them, that is idolatry.

Is there one thing that is keeping your heart from truly following Jesus? Are you consumed by the material things of this world, don’t let the temporary pleasures of this world prevent you from your eternal destiny in Jesus Name Amen