Luke 18:18-27   The young man saw Jesus and ran up to Him.  Mark tells us that he even knelt before Him. His question seems sincere, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 

Jesus saw this young man. He asked a question in return, " Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone."  Then Jesus gives the man a reminder of what God calls good.. " Do not commit adultery, Do not murder. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honor your Father and Mother." Matthew adds, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Mark adds, "Do not defraud." 

Why would Jesus speak only of these 5 commandments?  These all focus on relationships with others.. and the young man is confident that he has kept them.  But.. what of the first 4?  Did he have  "no other gods"?   Had he made himself an idol? Had he used God's name in vain? Was he observing the Sabbath to keep it holy?  And what of the last commandment?  Did he covet what belonged to his neighbor? The young man wanted to justify himself..yet... it seems that he knew something was lacking.  But he didn't like what Jesus had to say, "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." 

"But when he had heard these things, he became very sad; for he was extremely rich."  He turned away. He rejected the eternal life that he wanted so badly.. it was right there in front of him and he let it slip away.. His wealth was his god and it was too much to surrender.  He would rather have treasures on earth that would not last than treasures in heaven that will never perish. 

Jesus made a statement that shook them all.. "How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God."    Over and over Jesus taught that humility and trust in God are what is "good".  Oh, the way is narrow that leads to God's Kingdom!  It is hard to choose it.. but thankfully Jesus adds, "The things impossible with men are possible with God"!   

This is why He came.. to do the impossible.. to save the lost.. rich and poor.. Hallelujah!

Father in heaven, we come with grateful hearts to thank You for making a way when there was no other way.. and that way is Jesus!  King Jesus, we will follow You.. we will surrender all.  Help us to do the will of the Father, to exalt His Name, and to keep choosing the narrow way every day.. running the race set before us with our eyes fixed on You.  We ask this is Your Holy Name. Amen.