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When Doing Everything Right Isn’t Enough
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young ruler, they turn away from Jesus and say, “I can’t serve this
Man.
If only he’d been able to see beyond a life of lawkeeping to the
life of true loving that Jesus offered, how different his life might
have been.
The ruler had been given much so he could demonstrate gen-
erosity. It’s the same today. God gives us talents and opportunities
to work with Him in helping the poor and suffering. Whenever we
use our gifts this way, we partner with God to win others for Christ.
Those who enjoy positions of great influence and financial security
may think the cost to follow Jesus is too great. But self-surrender
is at the very heart of what it means to be His follower. Often this
reality is expressed in language that sounds demanding, but God has
no other way to save us except to separate us from whatever will
ultimately destroy us
Jesus called another wealthy man to His service who did leave
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all, exchanging his lucrative business for poverty and hardship
No one likes the “tax man.” Not today, and not in the times of
Christ in Palestine. Those officials were the most reviled of all.
Not only because they collected taxes (a painful reminder to the
Jews of their Roman conquerors), but also because these men were
dishonest. Through extortion they made themselves wealthy. And
when a Jew worked for the Romans collecting taxes, he was viewed
as part of the vilest segment of their society
Matthew was one of the hated extortionists. But one day that all
changed. After calling two sets of brothers by the Sea of Galilee,
Peter and Andrew, then James and John, Jesus called Matthew to be
His disciple. While others judged Matthew by his vocation, Jesus
read his heart and recognized that it was open. Matthew had heard
Jesus speak and wanted to ask for help but had convinced himself
that the Great Teacher would never notice him
Sitting at his tax desk one day, Matthew saw Jesus approaching.
Moments later he was astonished to hear Jesus say, “Follow Me.”
Matthew stood up from his desk, left everything as it was, turned
away, and followed Jesus. He didn’t hesitate, didn’t question, didn’t
give a moment’s thought to his lucrative business or the poverty he
was about to receive in exchange. For Matthew, it was enough to be
with Jesus, to listen to His words, and to work with Him.
