Personal Matters
Luke 18:18-26

The man who approached Jesus in Luke’s account was young, perceptive, wealthy, and a religiously inclined aristocrat who had authority.  We don’t know his name or position, but we know he was respectful and personable, addressing Jesus as ‘Good Teacher/Master.”  However, he was unprepared for Jesus’ response to his honest question of what else he need to do to inherit eternal life: to sell all he possessed to give to the poor.

1. Christ Responds To Our Personal Matters With A Personal Response.

Christians sometimes mistakenly respond with a ‘one size fits all’ approach to people.  While truth is universal, Christ personalizes the truth to meet people where they are.  What Jesus required of the young rich ruler was no different than what He required of his disciples; it was just expressed differently.

2. We Are To Count Up The Cost Of Discipleship.

The Lenten Season encourages Christians to relinquish things to help them remain grounded and test their passions.  Relinquishing wealth and the love of it not only helps those in need, but also allows us to focus on the true relationship and personal growth God want us to emphasize.

3. Discipleship Involves Effective Communication.

The personal relationship with Jesus is what we should desire above all.  It is something that is ongoing, evolving over time and embraces everything and all personal issues in our lives.  Salvation involves both the temporal and eternal aspects of our lives.  That relationship requires openness to involve Jesus in every opportunity and obstacle in our lives, and to trust Him to lead the way.