The Requirement of Sacrifice

Matthew 19: 21-22

“21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.”

The rich young man went to Jesus wanting to know what he must do to have eternal life.  Jesus initially told him to “keep the commandments.”  The young man told Jesus that he had always kept the commandments, but he still felt that he lacked something.  

And Jesus, reading his heart, disclosed his secret to him.  The young man’s heart did not belong to God, but to the world.  His love for money and the worldly pleasures he could buy exceeded his love for God.  The young man obeyed the commandments as long as they did not require sacrifice.

Our love and our works flow from our faith.  And if we have faith, we will have eternal life.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier