Matthew 19:20
This young man meant here exactly what all of the Jews meant when they said that they observed the commandments. Jesus had told him he needed to ‘keep’ the commandments. Though, in the English, the man claims to have kept them; he said a different word than Jesus did. In other words, in Greek, Jesus said ‘keep’ and the man said he ‘observed’ the commandments. Though this may seem a splitting of hairs, it reveals the deeper difference between what the Jews believed about the law, and what Christ taught about it.
What this man was saying was that he felt he was not guilty of anything that these laws disallowed. An observation of regulations, rather than the conviction of the heart, is what is in view here. This happens all of the time. Employees may follow the boss’s rules (while he is present), but they rarely agree with them. So, following the letter, rather than the spirit, of the law was what this young man had it mind.
But, to his credit, he realized he was still lacking. Something was missing. He knew he needed something. He wanted to feel complete, even perfect. Jesus knew this. He knew that this young man recognized his need, but he was about to call him to let go of what was keeping him from perfection. Jesus knows that he alone can perfect us, but this man needed to learn that.
Bible Reading: John 5:1-6:71
Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:12 “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and love in our lives. You see our deepest needs. You work to get us to recognize these needs, and Your solution. You are so wonderful like that, Your Truth is a gracious gift to us. How can we ever thank You enough. May we always take the time to learn from You! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a woman with health issues. Pray for a woman with a pinched nerve.
Journal Entry #14042