Exodus 21-22, Matthew 19 • Key Verse: Matthew 19:27

The struggle to keep oneself in check can rear its head at the most inappropriate times. A young man came to Jesus asking what he needed to do to get eternal life. He was wealthy and probably thought that, like success, eternal life was something he could achieve or buy.

This man’s soul hung in the balance. His seeking had forced him to look at his own values. At that point in his life, however, things meant more than the life Christ offered.

Then the discussion turned to the question of who can be saved. Seemingly out of nowhere came Peters inquiry, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” (v. 27).
Christ’s response was most gentle considering the conversation had turned away from salvation to a question of rewards.

There are rewards coming. But Jesus cautioned, “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (v. 30).Those who try to be at the head of the line ultimately will find themselves at the end. Our service is not to be done with a “what’s in it for me” attitude but out of love for Christ.

Next time you have the opportunity, go to the end of the line; Ask Jesus to help you let others go first because you love them.

Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in