A Deeper Life

Scripture – Luke 18:22-27: 22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 23When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. 24Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, 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.” 26Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” 27Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Reflection: Jesus often answers questions I haven’t even realized I asked. He looks right inside me and through me. He knows what I need, even if I don’t. He works in me at a deeper level than I expect.

This man asked a surface question: “What must I do?” Jesus took him to a new level and showed him what kind of person he needed to be. He pointed out to the man that the things this world calls treasure are just temporary. What the world recognizes as valuable doesn’t really matter.

The new life Christ brings includes a new perspective on life – an eternal perspective. He tells this man to let go of all the stuff that seems so important. Use it to invest in the kingdom of heaven. Then the man will have real treasure.

I wonder what happened to this man. Jesus gave him so much more than what he asked for. He gave him the opportunity to experience a brand new life – one guided by kingdom priorities. Actually, it’s the same opportunity each of us is given today. What do you think this man did? What will you do this day?