Text: Matthew 19:16-24
Memory Verse: “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).
The story of the rich young ruler also appears in Mark 10:17-30 and Luke 18:18-35. In the account by Mark, the young man ran and knelt before Jesus. Unlike some prominent persons of the day, he was not ashamed or afraid to meet Jesus in broad daylight.
The question burning in his mind was quite important: “Good Teacher, what good shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). The Lord Jesus first directed his mind to parts of the 10 Commandments dealing with interpersonal relationships, and the young man said he had kept all of them since his youth.
The Lord then tested him on covetousness, telling him that, if he wanted to be perfect, he should sell his possessions and give to the poor. The young man left sorrowfully because he had great wealth; he failed the test. Jesus told His disciples that great wealth would keep many people from the kingdom of God.
The ‘eye of the needle’ was a narrow gateway into Jerusalem. When the main gates closed at dusk, to squeeze through the narrow ‘eye of the needle’ gate, camels heavily loaded with goods needed to be unloaded, and kneel. The same dilemma confronts all who earnestly seek to enter God’s kingdom today. They must humbly rid themselves of anything that could hold them back. If tested, will you pass the test on covetousness?
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, open my spiritual eyes to see myself as You see me.
2. Father, grant me the grace to rid myself of anything that could make me
miss Heaven.