Looking at the man [who said he had kept all the commandments], Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Key Thought
Jesus had genuine love and compassion for this man. The man felt that he had kept all the commandments and was close to what God wanted and headed in the right direction. [1] Jesus, however, wanted him to yield his heart to God and love others like God. He wanted more than the man’s legalistic actions. So Jesus called him to do what was his hardest thing — the “one thing” he lacked. Could you do the hard thing that you lack? What is that “one thing” in your life?
Today’s Prayer
O Father, please keep me from greed, love for money, and an unholy desire for things because they block me from totally surrendering my heart to you. I want to be yours — heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want to be like you — holy, righteous, compassionate, and generous. Humble me gently and conform me so that my stubborn will is completely yielded to your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Luke 14:33-35Matthew 6:19-211 Timothy 6:17-19Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.