Matthew 19:16-30 (2)

The Cost of Following Christ: What More Do I Have to Do?

Bible Passage: Matthew 19:16–30

Summary: In this passage, a rich young man approaches Jesus seeking eternal life, asking what good deed he must do to inherit it. Jesus challenges him to keep the commandments and eventually instructs him to sell his possessions, highlighting the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The disciples are astonished by this teaching, but Jesus reassures them of the rewards that await those who give up earthly attachments for Him.

Application: This passage encourages believers to confront their own attachments and priorities. It reveals that true discipleship may require sacrifices and invites Christians to evaluate what they might be holding back from God and how they can fully embrace His calling in their lives.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that mere adherence to religious laws is insufficient for salvation; instead, a heart fully committed to Christ is essential. It emphasizes the necessity of surrendering earthly treasures and choosing to follow Christ above all else, encouraging believers to trust in God’s provision and promises.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader narrative of Scripture, this passage points to Christ as the ultimate source of eternal life. By calling the rich young man to give up his wealth, Jesus foreshadows the greater sacrifice He would make on the cross, inviting us to find our treasure in Him rather than in worldly possessions.

Big Idea: Following Christ requires radical commitment and a willingness to surrender all that we hold dear, trusting that He provides far greater treasures than any earthly possession.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider using your Logos library to delve into the historical and cultural context of wealth in first-century Judea, which may illuminate the rich young man's perspective. Additionally, explore commentaries that analyze the challenges of interpretation related to the phrase 'it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle,' which has various explanations. Understanding these nuances may provide deeper insights for your audience.

1. Prioritize Radical Surrender

Matthew 19:16-21

You could highlight how Jesus shifts the dialogue from external compliance with the commandments to a deeper understanding of the transformative power of surrender. This conversation presents a potent illustration of the barrier wealth can create, emphasizing how clinging to material possessions can prevent full reliance on Christ. Encourage listeners to examine what might be holding them back from true discipleship and to consider the heart posture necessary for inheriting eternal life.

2. Pitfalls of Material Wealth

Matthew 19:22-24

Perhaps use the young man's sorrowful departure as a pivotal teaching moment to discuss the pull of earthly wealth and its potential grip on our hearts. Jesus’ declaration about the camel and the needle serves to starkly illustrate the challenge posed by riches, suggesting that listeners should reflect on their personal attachments. This point compels your audience to question the relative position of wealth and God in their lives and to choose an eternal perspective over temporal gains.

3. Promise of Divine Provision

Matthew 19:25-30

Maybe highlight the disciples’ astonishment and Jesus’ assurance that what seems impossible for humans is possible with God. This reassures believers that even though the call to surrender can be daunting, God’s grace empowers and sustains those who choose to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Inspire your congregation to embrace this assurance and the promise of eternal rewards, reinforcing that God meets those who willingly sacrifice with divine provision and blessing.